In my head, I’m convinced I’ll one day be a Superhero. Maybe when I die I will come back as one. It all stems from my childhood obsession with Spiderman (it is still there in adulthood, and I know it will never go.) I’m also glad my nephew has a mutual love for Spiderman too. My obsession with Spiderman is part admiration, part relating to him more than anything else. It’s a mixture, a jumble I suppose. This links in with what I want to write about, somehow.
Ever since I can remember I have used music as a sheild or a cloak. Possibly a cape. When I listen tocertain songs it makes me feel like nothing and no one in the world can get to me- no traces of negativity or bad words can reach me because the music that is echoing in my ears is protecting me. It is making me stronger than I could possibly allow myself. You see, sometimes we don’t realise how strong we are. Sometimes we have to go to Hell and back to see just exactly how strong we- how much we can take. I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve wanted to give up many many times. I know exactly when this happened, but more importantly- I know what brought me back from feeling so utterly low. Everyone goes through it. You cannot go through life expecting to avoid anything bad. You cannot wander through life and not get hurt. It will happen. There’s no right or wrong way with dealing with it at all. If you want to block it out and ignore it-so be it. If you want to talk about it with someone over cups of tea-so be it. You are human. You can fight some battles on your own. You may need a sidekick sometimes to get through it all. You cannot pick your battles, but you can sure as hell choose your protective gear. When someone tells you to “man up” kindly tell them to “fuck off.”
I don’t think I’ve successfully made my point here. Sometimes when I feel a lot about a subject matter I lose my ability to form sentences that make sense. Too much passion for things is always going to be a burden for me, I know. I know.
What I’m trying to say is, music is a wonderful thing to drag you through anything you face. For instance, today I was on the bus listening to Ceremonials and the sheer beauty of it just made me want to cry. I got a bit teary eyed. Thankfully no one saw. Imagine explaining that to a stranger. “Yeah, I’m fine. I just get really into the music and a bit emotional during certain parts of songs.” I’m a sadcase, I know this. You don’t ever need to tell me. Music can be that sheild, that protective gear you place around you when you want to feel invincible. Music can be the thing that makes you feel like you are a Superhero. Fuck it. Be a legend in your own lunchtime dear reader. Do it.
So, with that I am going to link you to some songs that make me feel like nothing or no one in the universe can touch me. Some of these songs I used whilst I was in Secondary School and was being bullied every single day. I don’t talk about it because it was over 10 years ago, and I’m better than those shitstains of society. These are the songs that gave me strength in the past, these are the songs that currently make me feel like I can do anything. They are my sheild, my protective cape. They all provide a cloak of strength and determination.
Sometimes you get stuck in a place that you think you cannot get out of. Whether it is a state of mind or an actual place, sometimes it has this disgusting grip on you- and you just cannot escape. I guess that’s why music is one of the best ways to express how one feels. It says the things you cannot say. It says the things you wish you could say. The lyrics, the note changes, every major and minor detail in a piece of music can just sum up any and every feeling you carry around with you on a daily basis.
I live in a place I really cannot stand. I’ve got the guts to leave. I’m leaving on Friday. I’ve been trying to do it for some time now, but now I have a reason. Things did improve in September, but I guess….you just have to do what works for you and what makes you happy. You see, I’m moving back to my mum’s. For a while I was reluctant to do it because I thought I’d be a failure. I’m not. I’m doing something for ME. Something I rarely do. I spent too long thinking about others and what they wanted, I forgot about myself. So, I’m moving home for a bit. Save money from my job and after that, I have no idea. I don’t know where I will go. I’ve got some ideas- but I don’t know. I don’t like planning things. So, with this week’s mix I’m putting songs that can help you escape the dullness and chore of everyday life. Songs to lose yourself in and make you realise what you want- and how you are going to get it.
Don’t ever think you are not worthy of putting yourself first, because you are. You are worth more than you know. It’s totally okay to be happy and to be yourself first. I guess hitting 25 the other week has had a positive impact. Grow up and get out.
There’s always a band that you can just go back to for anything. You can use them as an emotional crutch or you can just play them when life decides to go your way. The singer’s voice is so angelic; you cannot believe such a voice exists. When you saw them live, you remember how mental the guitarist went and you could see the sheer passion in each band member’s faces as they were on stage. They’re not just a band, they are more than that. They say everything others won’t say, they make music others are scared to play. They are quite possibly still the underdog, but the singer once said, “Even the underdog gets to have its day.” You cling onto her saying that because you can relate to it. You’re still waiting to have that day, but as each day passes and you get older- you realise something. You realise that this band have been a huge part of your life. You’ve adored them since the very start. You’re proud to call yourself a fan. When you saw them live, it was at such a shut part of your life- but their show slowly but surely dragged you out of the rut you were stuck in. You’re still not sure what the cause was, you can’t go back for answers. Move forward and move to your favourite band. That’s exactly what you did. You screamed every single word back. Am I boring you? I probably am. It’s 1.30am and I’m rambling before I start again.
Everything above is how I feel about Metric.
What Metric are to me is hard to put into words, and with that lengthy introduction I have metaphorically shot myself in the foot. What I dislike is that I can pour all these feelings into describing my love for a band; I can do that- no problem. Yet I struggle a stupid amount to tell someone how I feel about anything. Not in a “woe is me” kind of way. I guess I just get nervous and frustrated when I have to talk about myself, I guess with writing like this I can do it in a different way. I can be me when I write about a band. I guess it’s my way of saying to certain people, “You got me wrong, I’m not a twat.” But hey, their loss is my gain. It just allows me to write like this. Maybe it is personal, but I want whoever reads what I write to feel it the way I do. I want them to think about the band they love when I write this way. I cannot write without putting my feelings into it. Maybe it makes me a bad writer, maybe it makes me sound like some obsessive fool. Maybe I am. I just love music; it’s the only thing that can make me feel like this. It makes me feel alive when nothing else does. It’s my life.
The way a song can make you feel 10 feet tall but then just break your heart has always fascinated me. How a song can just describe your life in one short sentence is mind-blowing beyond belief. How a certain key change can cause this spark to light up inside you throws you into a whirlwind. Again, this is how I feel about Metric.
Dead Disco was the first song I ever heard by Metric, “Everything has been done.” That line just stuck with me instantly, it still does. Years have passed since I first heard Metric, and that line is still relevant- possibly more now than ever. Old World Underground, Where Are You Now has so much going on. The aggressive riffs, the harsh drums, the raw bass and the angelic vocals. All of this is what makes Metric so appealing to me. Emily Haines is quite frankly highly underrated as a front-woman. She can hold a crowd just as well as anyone else- male or female. She goes wild on stage, she just grips you. I remember when I saw them live, and she held my hand for like 2 seconds, it was just amazing. I also had the honour of doing a phone interview with Jimmy and Emily in 2009.
What I loved about the interview is how personal it was. I didn’t feel like I was talking to members of my favourite band, I felt like I was just talking to two people I sort of knew about music. It was such a relaxed vibe; it was one of the best interviews I’ve ever done. As it was personal, I’ve never wanted to type up the interview. It was just before Fantasies was released and I had a promo copy. I talked to Emily about a song off the album that at that point in my life, just described it. To be able to tell the person who created a song that means the world to you what it means to you is such a euphoric feeling. It is truly remarkable, it always stays with you.
Even if you’ve never seen Metric live, you can easily sense how much they love the music they create on record. The passion just oozes out, it’s just bloody marvellous.
Live It Out is easily my favourite record by the band. I love every single song on the album, especially the title track. The lyrics are, well they just mean a lot. The whole album is just perfect from beginning to end. The album starts with Empty; the build-up in this song just makes you stop still. You cannot do a thing, “There is no way out, the only way out is to give in.” The way Emily sings this is stunning, then the guitar, drums and bass kick in and smack you pleasurably in the face- followed by Emily’s voice echoing, “Shake your head it’s empty.” This live is just out of this world, for 10 minutes they played so brutally. I’ll always hold this gig so dear to me. I’d waited years to see them, and I was front row amongst around 300 people. It was pure bliss.
Poster Of Girl is perfect. Emily singing in French, how could you not lose your mind to it?! Too Little Too Late is probably my favourite off the album, as soon as I publish this entry I may have switched it to Handshakes or something.
Metric’s music just means the world to me, it owns my heart. When I can’t sleep, I usually play some of Emily Haines solo work. It’s just gorgeous. Her delicate voice over a piano is so comforting; it just sends you off into a dream-world.
Acoustic Metric is stunning too, as is their cover of The Strokes song, The End Has No End. Everything about Metric just appeals to me. They posses the Punk ethic and hints of Riot Grrrl- I think it’s because they came out just as the Riot Grrrl movement was fast falling into the unknown, of course it still exists- but it’s underground, I guess that’s what makes it still highly important.
In over a thousand words I have tried to convey my love for Metric into words, instead I think I’ve just ranted like a tired idiot. I am tired; I’ll go to sleep as soon as I’ve posted this.
I just love Metric and I firmly believe they do not get the credit that they are rightfully owned. However, part of me loves this because they feel like “my” band. Nobody really knows of my unconditional love for this band and all they mean to me. I hold them as highly as Morrissey and Bob Dylan (they’ve also covered Dylan brilliantly.) They just mean everything to me, nothing in life is perfect- but I think Metric are close to it.
They are what true musicianship should be. They’ve never changed their sound to fit in, they’ve never stopped doing what they love to adapt to certain trends. They have always been honest and true to themselves.
When I listen to them, they just reignite this fire in me that is all too often being put out, when a band can do that to you- it’s fair to say that they are your life/a huge part of it.
“There’s no glitter in the gutter. There’s no twilight galaxy.”
After 3 attempts write this, this is my last go. Trying to sum up the importance of a debut album isn’t easy, nor is it easy trying to think of the best debut albums ever. There have been so many phenomenal debut albums, some people just overlook and others are regarded as highly influential.
Over the past 3 years there have been some amazing debut albums released such as Lungs by Florence And The Machine to Cults self titled debut which was released this year.
The hardest thing about putting out such a great first album is following it up. How many bands have managed to set such a high calibre with their first album and pull it off with every release? Of course The Smiths managed to do it, and in my biased opinion, more recently The Horrors have evidently done it. More on Strange House later. I always have strong affection towards debut albums as you can truly feel and understand what an artist is trying to do. It’s always good to listen back to a debut album when a band has released 3 or 4 albums into their career. You can really hear how an artist has grown and changed their sound.
My personal favourite debut album of all time has to be Psychocandy by The Jesus And Mary Chain. I love the reverb sound, the intense subject matter and of course Jim Reid’s stunning vocals. I adore the production on the album, it has influenced so many bands that I love such as The Horrors. There has never been a debut album as gripping and as brutal as Psychocandy. Although the band have released some fantastic albums, this is the one that stands out for me- it is timeless and just everything an album should be. It’s dark, it is passionate and honest. If more music was to this standard, well, the music industry would be in a better place I suppose. The Jesus And Mary Chain is a band that inspires me in ways no other band ever has, and probably ever will. Of course The Smiths are the band that owns my heart, but I feel The Jesus And Mary Chain own a part of my mind. The heart is greater, that I know. I just love the feeling I get from listening to Psychocandy, it just feels like the first time I am listening to it every time I do. It’s just a perfect debut album from start to finish. I don’t think any album has single-handedly started its own genre in a way Psychocandy did. It’s just everything, and anything after it has just lurked in its shadows.
Last year two debut albums came out that just instantly blew me away. I felt like I was in a different time whilst listening to it- personally, that’s what makes a remarkable album. Regardless if it is a debut album or an artists fifth album.
The two albums are Best Coast’s debut self titled release and of course, The Fool by Warpaint.
Best Coast’s debut was the soundtrack to summer 2010, there’s no denying it. The album instantly became a piece of art that I treasured so much, I still play it every single day. There is not one song that bores me. I don’t really hold any personal situations to the album, give it time I guess. It’s just an album that makes me feel like I am sitting on a beach, staring out to sea and forgetting everything. It’s the perfect form of escapism. I love Bethany’s vocals especially on Our Deal. There’s something so heartbreaking about that song, but you just can’t stop listening to it. Oh her cat, Snacks is quite possibly the cutest animal ever.
Where do I start when talking about The Fool by Warpaint? Anyone who knows me a tiny bit will know that album is one of the most important albums in my life, ever. Of all the albums I own, this one is one I hold very highly. I love how every song makes me feel like I am floating on water towards something better. There’s always something better. Warpaint’s music makes a hopeless person like myself quite hopeful.
Songs such as Lissie’s Heart Murmur and Shadows are so important to me. The way Emily sings on Lissie’s Heart Murmur just moves me in a way I didn’t think could happen. I adore Theresa’s vocals on Shadows, so much frustration in the line,” I feel like the shadows, I don’t even bother for any more than that.” It’s an album to lose yourself in, and probably find parts of yourself too.
I remember seeing a copy of an album with five men wearing high-heels and make-up on the cover and just being in awe of the cover. I found the album in the drawer in the living room at my mum’s house when I was around 15/16. I took the album to my room and just played it. I didn’t move. I was entirely transfixed with the sounds that were coming out of my temperamental CD player.
New York Dolls are quite possibly one of the most important bands ever. They’ve influenced so many artists that I adore with every fibre of my being. Yes, I mean Morrissey. Their debut album has one song on it that just means the universe to me, Subway Train. I adore everything about the song, especially the lyrics. Frustration with a twinge of angst- mixed with longing. They are the best kinds of songs and Subway Train is one of them.
The album is the blueprint of what would later emerge from New York City.
Although Live It Out is my favourite album by them, Metric’s debut release, Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? is such a fantastic piece of art. The album starts with IOU, and right from the start you fall in love with Metric’s sound. They have a specific sound that I have never ever heard in any band. Whether it be in a band I love or a band I dislike, their sound is something that has never been replicated- thankfully. I highly doubt anyone could. Songs such as Wet Blanket, Combat Baby, Dead Disco and The List are just stunning. I’ve been fortunate to see them live, and the energy they have on record is just the same live. Just with a bit more sweat. The production is just stunning. I’ve been a fan of Metric since they started out and their sound is so distinctive. What I love about their debut is the Punk and Riot Grrrl feel it has- two genres that mean a lot to me, and for a band such as Metric to combine those two genres to create Old World Underground was just brilliant.
I have two more debut albums to write about. Both have this brutal sound to it and contain such a force that just shakes your world and your whole being. I know that the albums I have mentioned and are about to mention are probably odd choices for some, but they are debut albums that just mean a lot to me, and to others I’m sure. I could mention the usual such as The Smiths debut album and Is This It by The Strokes, both albums of course are masterpieces and mean a lot to me. I have Is This It tattooed on me. Some may think it’s a morbid thing to have tattooed, it isn’t- it’s a declaration of love for such a phenomenal album.
Strange House by The Horrors is a frickin’ amazing take on Garage-Rock. I remember skipping a lecture at University to go out and buy the album. I did it a lot whilst at College and Uni. My priorities have always been based on music; it’s a good and bad thing. Good for me, and it probably pisses others off. They don’t get it, I don’t expect them to.
I feel Strange House has been overlooked by so many. Guaranteed it sounds nothing like Primary Colours and Skying- none of The Horrors albums sound like their last one at all. That’s why I love them. Their music means a lot to me, I cannot describe why. Strange House reminds me of my first year of Uni. Probably the happiest I have ever been. Everything was new to me and I was becoming the person I always wanted to be. The sound on Strange House just instantly took over me. From Faris’s screams to Rhys’ mental keyboard skills. I remember going back home during the holidays and my mum telling me she loved Count In Fives. I’ve played her all three albums by them, and she too is in awe of their sound. I’ve got a pretty cool family. My auntie and uncle both adore The Horrors.
The way The Horrors dressed during the Strange House era was just beautiful. If I was a guy, or hell, if I was skinny I’d probably dress like that. I know they will never create an album with the same sound as Strange House but each album still has that raw, brutal feel. A feel that is not evident in a lot of music right now. A lot of people are getting into The Horrors based on the single Still Life. However, I urge you new fans to please listen to Strange House. It’ll do you a world of good if you do.
The last album that I am going to bore you with, if you are still with me is, Keep On Your Mean Side by The Kills. The title alone is bloody great. The album defines the whole sound of The Kills. Unapologetic brutal, dark, intense, raw and powerful sounds. Everything about this album is sheer perfection. From start to finish the album has you in a chokehold. The Kills music feels like a pleasurable punch to the face. It hits you over and over- you don’t care if it hurts, it is the best feeling ever. The music has this hold over you. Alison’s beautiful and vengeful voice twinned with Jamie’s genius guitar playing steals your heart away. It takes you to a place that is dark, poetic and sublime. I love how they have captured the same feeling people must have got when they first heard The Velvet Underground when they started. They are my generation’s take on The Velvet Underground. The dark lyrics with harsh guitar sounds, it’s just everything that music should be.
I adore Alison’s vocals on Wait and Gypsy Death & You. It is so pure, just enthralling. I love the aggression in their music- songs such as Cat Claw, Fried My Little Brains and Kissy Kissy just pour out such aggression that overwhelms you and leaves you thinking and feeling “The hell have I just exposed my ears and soul to?!” It is hands down, one of the most brutal debut albums I have ever heard and probably will hear. It’s brutal in an Iggy Pop sense, true Punk ethic. The Kills are a band that I look up to; I love the connection Alison and Jamie have with each other. I love that just two people have created a sound that so many need so many others around them to create and just cannot get it right- The Kills just need each other to make that sound. I admire them so much; I’d say they are quite possibly the hardest working musicians around. I cannot praise them enough nor can I express my love for their music in good enough words. Each album they put out has the same level of intensity and frustration in it- with no apologise or explanation. It just is. And what it is, is truly beautiful.
I know there are so many albums I could have written about such as The Long Blondes debut album, Scott Matthews debut solo album, Richard Hawley, Ramones- the list is endless. I just wrote about the ones that mean something to me.
Recently my mum posted me a Morrissey book and Scott Matthews debut album. She knows of my love for The Walker Brothers and I was familiar with Scott’s solo work. It’s a beautiful debut album. As are debuts from others such as Zola Jesus, The xx, Aaliyah, Jay-Z. Honestly, the list is endless and the more I mention the more I want to write about these albums. It just shows how vital the debut album really is, and a lot of the time- inspires others to pick up an instrument and start their own movement. I’ve written over 2000, I think I’ve bored you enough now haven’t I?!
Okay so I’ve done albums of the year, now I’m going to attempt doing the songs of the year. I’ll edit this at least 10 times before being content with my choices. No order, until the last 3…as usual!
Ou Est Le Swimming Pool-Dance The Way I Feel. I firmly believe that this song can make the most miserable person feel happy listening to this. They are a friggin’ brilliant live band and I hope next year sees them becoming massive.
Frankmusik-Better Off As Two. Best friend got me into Frankmusik. I love this song.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs-Zero. The video alone was good. I want Karen O’s jacket from this video. I think a sense of power or something would come from wearing it.
Ellie Goulding-Under The Sheets. She’ll be big next year, by rights.
Marina & The Diamonds-I Am Not A Robot. The lyrics tug at your heartstrongs and make you think it’s all going to be okay because let’s face it, it always is 🙂
La Roux-I’m Not Your Toy. I could’ve gone for Bulletproof, but I didn’t. I prefer this song to what’s been released so far. BUT, Quicksand will ALWAYS be a personal favourite.
Norah Jones-Chasing Pirates. I’m pretty much in love with her new album.
Lightspeed Champion-Marlene. I know this out next year but the video is already out so….fuck it! Besides, his new album will probably be one of the best albums out next year.
Girls-Lust For Life. I was very happy that this wasn’t an Iggy Pop cover. Nobody should cover Iggy Pop. EVER.
Camera Obscura-French Navy. Goosebumps everywhere when I first heard this. Still happens now.
Golden Silvers-True Romance. A band that I’m so glad I saw live. This song has some good memories tied to it. The main one being seeing them support Florence, and Florence touching my shoulder saying “excuse me” to get past and dancing in front of me and my best mate to this.
The Saturdays-Forever Is Over. This has “FUCK YOU” written all over it, which is probably why I love it.
Lady GaGa-Bad Romance- RA RA AH AH…You know how it goes. I love this an unhealthy amount (some would say..I disagree) The reference to Hitchcock’s films and the video just make it even more amazing than it already is.
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys-Empire State Of Mind. Two of my favourite artists on the same record. Musical heaven. Reasonable Doubt will always be my favourite Jay album but this reminds me why I love him.
The Dead Weather-Treat Me Like Your Mother. The video is amazing and I love Alison. No more needs to be said really.
Julian Casablancas-11th Dimension. This was enough to make me forget that The Strokes haven’t put an album out since 2005.
Florence + The Machine- You’ve Got The Love. Seeing a few thousand people around you sing along to every word is probably the best thing I’ve seen this year. My favourite cover EVER.
Metric-Help I’m Alive. I hate the word epic but that’s the only word to use to describe this song.
The Raveonettes-Last Dance. Sweet, cute, perfect.
Spinnerette-Baptized By Fire. The lyrics alone are pretty friggin’ cool. I love Brody, who doesn’t?!
Bat For Lashes-Daniel. Natasha Khan possess one of the best voices in the world right now.
Bloc Party-One More Chance. Sounds like a 90s dance track and it’s Bloc Party. Perfect.
thecocknbullkid-I’m Not Sorry. This may have come out last year? But whatever, I still love it. Album next year. ‘BOUT TIME!
The Horrors-Sea Within A Sea. 7 minutes of musical genius. I remember waiting for the countdown to end on thier website and seeing this.
Doll & The Kicks-You Turn Up. Love this band to pieces and I think they need to be signed. NOW. Lovely people and amazing live.
The Chapman Family- Virgins. Kingsley Chapman is lovely. The Chapman Family also need to be signed ASAP.
White Lies-To Lose My Life. So dark and haunting.
TOP 5!!!
Fever Ray-If I Had A Heart. Strange and beautiful.
Morrissey- I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris. Anything Moz does is genius, but this is easily my favourite single of his in a long time. The lyrics speak to me and probably most of Moz’s fans. It just reinforces our unconditional love for him.
The xx- Crystalised. Favourite new band of the year. Awesome live. The album is brilliant from start to finish.
Florence + The Machine- Dog Days Are Over. Pretty much the same as what I said about You’ve Got The Love. I love the video to this. Makes me want to run through a forest in a tux. I won’t though.
Florence + The Machine-Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up). I remember where I was when I first heard this and I remember crying because..it just like, hit me in the gut. Right in the gut and I got this feeling of “shit…everything is pretty fucked up right now but I’m going to be fine.” Lo and behold I am! Morbid story aside, this song is just brilliant. The live version of this with Isabella doing the 90s balaric keyboard solo makes me weak and fucking happy. You need to physically see it to understand. I don’t need to go into detail about the importance of this song to me. If I was writing about album tracks too, I’d put Blinding, Howl and Cosmic Love in the list.
I’ve battled with pen, paper, keyboards and my own choices doing this list. So, I’ve decided to not make a list. I am simply going to tell you what my favourite albums of this year are. Then, I shall tell you what my top 3 are because they are the only 3 I can’t change..not that I’d want to.
I’m basically doing this because I am an indecisive bugger when it comes to this and not making an official “Top 10” list or whatever was just pissing me off. It makes sense. Here we go.
Remember..in no particular order (apart from the last 3 I mention!)
Golden Silvers-True Romance.- A band I enjoyed seeing live and made my dull summer a bit exciting.
Doll & The Kicks- Self titled, bloody brilliant album. Next year, I hope, sees them getting signed. It is a bloody horror, a shambles! that they are not signed. They’ve been supporting Morrissey for ages. SOMEONE SIGN THEM.
Bob Dylan-Togther Through Life. I just love Bob. Simple as. One of my heroes.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs-It’s Blitz! This band will NEVER make a shitty album. I know a lot of people were like “IT’S NOT LIKE FEVER TO TELL!!” Well, obviously because that’s Fever To Tell-the debut..and this is their 3rd album. Clearly they are not going to make the same album over and over. That’d be boring. And we all know that Yeah Yeah Yeahs are far from boring.
New York Dolls- ‘Cuz I Said So. Legendary band showing these new bands how it’s done!
Girls-Album. Amazing album. Amazing band. Sounds a bit 60s ish, which is never a bad thing. No fillers, just a brilliant album.
The Raveonettes- In And Out Of Control. Same as the album by Girls. Stunning album.
Comanechi-Crime Of Love. First saw them support Gossip in 2006, been in love ever since. Seemed like forever waiting for this album, worth the wait. Means I can stop playing the EP to death now!
Gossip-Music For Men. This band mean a hell of a lot to me, it’s not my favourite album by them but I still love it enough to say it’s one of the best this year.
Jack Penate-Everything Is New. For some strange reason Jack Penate makes me want to runaway to Brighton. I don’t know what it is. Every time I listen to him, I just want to get on a train and go to Brighton. It makes no sense, I know. Bloody good album though!
Norah Jones-The Fall. Her previous albums didn’t do anything for me. But, The Fall left me in awe. A beautiful album from start to finish.
White Lies- To Lose My Life. Dark, haunting…two things which I love in music (I’m not a miserablew person though)
Bat For Lashes-Two Suns. Natasha Khan could sing me the phonebook and I’d still find it captivating and enough to reduce me to tears.
Julian Casablancas-Phrazes For The Young. This album was good enough for me to be okay with The Strokes not putting an album out this year..or last year…or the year before that. It’s THAT good.
The Dead Weather-Horehound. A sexy album. I hate myself for that statement but bloody hell it is true. Alison Mosshart’s voice can make the strongest person weak. This is what happens when genius’ come together.
Metric-Fantasies. I interviewed Emily and Jimmy from the band. Lovely people. This album got me through some crap. Magnificent album. Worth waiting for.
Morrissey-Swords. Ahhh..an album full of wonderful B-Sides. THANK YOU MOZZA!
Morrissey- Years Of Refusal. I love the artwork and title. I love Moz. It’s Morrissey. I don’t need to explain why I’ve mentioned him.
Camera Obscura-My Maudlin Career. Most underrated band of 2009. Fabulous live. Beautiful, heart-wrenching album.
La Roux. Flawless live. Amazing on record. Cover My Eyes breaks my heart every time. I’ll always remember being at the Brum gig in November when they played Cover My Eyes..and me and my best friend hugging each other. The song kills us both. But somehow, seeing it live wasn’t as bad as hearing it on record. Elly Jackson is beautiful. La Roux got the 80s sound right and made it seem effortless and not tacky. Unlike some bands who try too hard.
The Horrors-Primary Colours. Proving that the second album can outshine the debut. This album sounded nothing like Strange House. Strange House was an excellent debut and Primary Colours, for me, is just as good.Maybe better. The Horrors gained more fans with this album and it’s easy to see why.
TOP 3…THE ACTUAL LIST THAT I WON’T CHANGE!
3. Fever Ray- Fever Ray. Odd and fucking good (sorry for the swearing but I had to.) This album left me in awe. I lay on my bedroom floor listening to this when I got it. There was no other way of doing it to be honest. It sent me some place else. I love it when music does this.
2. The XX-xx. Favourite new band of 2009. I remember hearing their cover of Aaliyah’s Hot Like Fire. Anyone who knows me knows how much of an Aaliyah fan I am and have been since 1995. This is a cover that I adored and from then on..my love grew and grew. When I heard they were supporting Florence + The Machine I felt like my birthday had come early. The vocals, the lyrics, the music..everything. Just everything about this album made me happy. The first track, Intro is simple yet you can take what you want from it. I hope 2010 sees more people seeing how wonderful this band is. Which leads me onto…….
1. Florence + The Machine-Lungs. You knew it would be my number 1. It’s been my favourite album since it came out. I’ve played it every day since it came out. I’ve got a singed copy, a copy on vinyl and the deluxe edition. This year started a bit wanky for me and I’d been using certain songs to deal with it all. I read that this album deals with Flo’s split with her boyfriend, I suppose that’s why this album was a crutch to me. It pretty much changed how I felt about things around me and people around me. It gave me strength and guts. I remember watching a clip back in 2007 with Flo and Dev Hynes singing in his flat and just being in awe with Florence. Seeing her go from unsigned, playing small venues to winning awards and putting out an album like Lungs makes me feel like a proud parent. I know it sounds a bit obsessive fan ish. But we’ve all had that one singer/band that means the world to us and makes us laugh,cry,smile,dance,sing and what not. Me and my best friend met her in September. Meeting Flo with my best friend is quite possibly one of the greatest things ever. The photo of us 3 together is the most special and important thing to me. I look at it and it just makes me happy. I can’t really put it into words how much Lungs means to me, so I’ll stop. There are so many reasons why this album is my favourite album of this year. The main one being it stopped me from going a bit mental and helped me accepted the changes around me. Adjusting to become a better person. Blinding helped me let go of everything that no longer mattered. So thank you Florence Welch.
(I’ll do another post about singles and stuff later)
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 😉
About a week before the Metric gig, I saw Morrissey live. I claimed that no gig could ever top Moz- that it was the greatest gig ever.
Oh how I take that back.
Coventry Kasbah is one of my favourite venues, there’s something special about it. Metric played the side room which is tiny. My favourite band in a small room, can it get any better? Yes, yes it can and I’m going to tell you exactly how and why!
The support act was a DJ, no idea what his name was. I have a hard time accepting that he is a DJ due to him playing off CD decks. He has no vinyl, in my mind this doesn’t make anyone a DJ- but that’s just me. Music on vinyl just sounds so much better. Anyway, back to Metric.
The band take to the stage and everyone goes rather mental, which is expected. How long has it been since they did a tour of the UK?
They open with Twilight Galaxy, with a nice little jam at the end of it. Perfect opener. Then it is straight into Help I’m Alive which is greeted by mass cheering. I never ever sing at gigs. This was the first…maybe second time I’ve sung at a gig. There are no highlights of the gig; the whole thing was pure perfection. Emily Haines is the greatest front woman around right now. The way Jimmy, Joshua, Joules and Emily come alive on stage just leaves you in awe. Jimmy Shaw is an amazing guitarist, when he plays it’s almost as if he is in some kind of trance having a fit- it is beautiful. This guy needs to be up in the list of greatest guitarists of all time.
Being right at the front, I am pretty much crushed but I don’t care and neither does anyone else in the same position as me. Tonight felt like a bunch of people who did not know each other coming alive for an hour and a half.
The big question, did Metric play any old songs? Hell yes! They blessed us with Empty (you have no idea how big of a deal that was!), Handshakes, and an extended version of Dead Disco. It was the encore that quite possibly made this gig something everyone will remember in years to come, even if they have a bout of amnesia. They came back and ripped the place up with Monster Hospital. Joshua and Joules left the stage for a few minutes, and Jimmy and Emily played a stunning version of Live It Out. Totally unexpected. I thought it was going to end after Monster Hospital. This stripped, slower version of Live It Out was beautiful. Every word was sung by the crowd. Emily made everyone use their mobile phones and lighters to light up the place; the atmosphere at this gig was the best I have ever seen. Coventry crowds are the best.
The only songs that were not played off Fantasises were Collect Call and Blindness (my favourite). However, although they did not play Blindness, I am about to tell you what made this gig better than the Moz gig.
During one of the songs, I have no idea which as it’s a bit of a blur. I think it was Stadium Love; Emily was grabbing the hands of those in the first two rows. She touched my friends hand (for the second time!), then the girl next to me, so on and so forth. But, Emily noticed she didn’t grab my hand so she stepped back grabbed my hand and smiled at me. Emily Haines grabbed MY hand and smiled AT ME. I think I died and went to Heaven.
There is no denying how much Metric love their fans and how much their fans love them. Metric have the best fans in the world.
Frequently Emily was complimenting the crowd, saying we were the coolest and how nice it was to see everyone looking different from each other.
I’m sure I wasn’t the only one there wanting Metric to stay on stage and play every single song they have ever done.
The gig ended and we all pilled out. Covered in sweat and filled with extreme joy (yes that does sound wrong, I know). Walking to the bus station I shouted at my friend, as I couldn’t hear that I was never washing my hand again after Emily had touched it. A girl walking in front of us shouted back “ME NEITHER! SHE TOUCHED ME TOO!”
You can call us crazy if you want, but I have washed my hands numerous of times since the gig.
The morning after my body hurt, my hearing was worse than usual and my voice was rather delicate- this my friends is what makes the perfect gig. Oh, and Emily Haines touched my hand and smiled at me!
Oh, I took quite a few photos but I’ll only put one up. The photo above, just captures everything this gig was. If you were there, you’ll know what I mean.
Beat In My Bones. 