Tag Archives: Morrissey

Is Anyone Worthy Of Looking Up To?

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If there’s one thing that irks me mire than anything- its people overlooking those who deserve respect and admiration. It annoys me when artists that are ever so bland and recycled are held up so high- that we are forced to idolise them. At aged 24 fast approaching 25, I can see right through these people those younger than me are forced to look up to. Even when I was in my teens, I always looked up those nobody really cared for. I suppose I felt some kind of connection. You know, being the odd one out etc.

So, Gaga frequently says she is FOR THE GAYS. Gay men, but not lesbians it seems. She declares she is for the freaks. Am I missing the point, or is she claiming us gays to be freaks? Call me a freak all you want, but I’m not the one going on about a disco-stick or wearing a meat dress. My mum used to play a lot of kd lang around the house. Constant Craving was one of my favourite songs when I was younger- it still is. Her voice is so powerful but at the same time, extremely delicate. She doesn’t use her sexuality to sell records. She doesn’t bang on and on about being a lesbian to sell records. She doesn’t go on about doing it for the gays. She does her job- she sings, she performs, and she entertains.

Obviously I understand that when you are launched into the public eye you are given this unwanted responsibility to be a role model. One person who I feel should be looked upon more than anyone else is- a family member. The one you are closest to. That’s the first person you should look up to. For me, I’d take looking up to my mum more than anyone else in the world. She raised me on her own, she is constantly there for me, her wise words make me feel less useless and her humour gets me through the day. The bond I have with her is one I know I could never ever live without. She’s not just my mum- she’s my rock and best friend. She’s pretty much everything to me.

There are so many people I admire in music and in literature- they have created work that just blows my mind and makes me wish I could create something so powerful and inspiring. I hope one day I write something that will make someone feel how Morrissey and Patti Smith make me feel with their words. However, I’m not a genius so this is just another empty aspiration of mine.

So, what kind of person should we look up to? Should it be someone who sells millions of records? Should it be someone who promotes hair products? Someone who mimes on stage? Someone who sings about being the only girl in the world? Someone who creates a false reality for others to foolishly attempt to follow in? Personally, none of these reasons are as to why I would look up to someone. I admire those who have struggled on the way to the top. Someone who doesn’t sell out. Someone who stays true to them and doesn’t give a shit what anyone else thinks. Someone that isn’t a gimmick. This is why I look up to those such as Morrissey, Patti, Lester Bangs, The Kills, Hunter S Thompson- I could list others, but these are the main ones. Those who have been around long enough (or were) to create something memorable. Their art is something I hold very dear to me.

Morrissey’s words, the way Lester put all his passion into a review, the way The Kills play- it’s just all so inspiring. Words are a huge thing for me with music. I love lyrics. Words are the most beautiful thing in the world. The way things are said and sung can instantly change how you think and feel. See, I cannot feel any connection at all with Gaga’s lyrics to Born This Way at all. I feel nothing towards her music. Give me a song by The Kills, and I will feel something I cannot put into words. For instance, when I hear Alison sing on The Last Goodbye, “Can’t quite see the end. How can I rely on my heart if I break it, with my own two hands.” It just rips me apart inside but at the same time this wave of comfort takes over because it feels like someone understands. Never rely on your heart, it’ll crush you.

Then I listen to Warpaint and I feel like I am being thrown into some kind of magical whirlwind. Music is the best way to escape. Warpaint’s music has done this to me for the past 2 and a bit years. Their sound catapults me elsewhere. Everything I want a piece of music to make me feel- theirs does. As for Morrissey? What can I say. That man is a life saver. He gives one hope in a hopeless world. I’m not the only one who feels this way about him. His fans are so passionate and loyal. I think if you like Morrissey- that’s it for life. You love him no matter what. He’s not really someone you can enjoy just the odd song of. You love him with all you have, and even then it doesn’t feel enough. His live shows reignite your soul and give you something to hold onto. The times I have seen him, as soon as he walks on stage the tears just fall. No other artist has ever done this, or will do it. Why? Well, the just don’t mean as much as he does.

I pretty much grew up on Morrissey and Bob Dylan (told you I’ve got the best mum in the world) and I think that’s what instilled my love for words and how they are presented in various forms. I am not saying looking up to someone like Rihanna is wrong. Well, I personally wouldn’t because I don’t feel any connection to her music nor do I think she’s done something worth looking up to. Neither do I think Gaga is worthy- but sadly, millions do. If I have to look up to someone, I want it to be someone who has been around long enough to leave a mark.

Patti Smith. Where does one begin when talking about this beautiful human being? She is the Godmother of Punk. Punk for me is one of the most important genres ever. The rawness and sheer honesty in this genre is ever so vital. Most say you had to be there to appreciate it- maybe that’s the case. But I understand the frustration and rage these people felt- because I feel it most days. There is something better, and you can’t get out because nobody will give you a break. I’ve got a degree and over 4 and a half years worth of experience with freelancing. Does anyone want to know? Do they bollocks. Do they want to pay me to write for them? Not at all. But I love writing and music too much to give it up. That is why I love Patti Smith and The Kills amongst others. They’ve come from nothing and they have created something so beautiful. They have created art that just leaves you wondering, covered in goose bumps, in awe of what they have done. That is something worth looking up to.

I’m not one for using my sexuality at all as a way to define who I am. I personally feel me being a lesbian to be something that doesn’t define who I am at all. It’s not important to me. However, I feel that there is a distinctive lack of lesbian representation within music (and other art forms.) When a lesbian is played in a TV role- she always seems to be quite butch and/or emotionally damaged. Trust me; we are not all like that. Do the media care for this? It seems like it doesn’t. A lot are portrayed as woman who cannot commit. It does nothing for the lesbian community. Then you have the music side. Elton John and George Michael- two highly successful gay artists. Who do lesbians have? Kd lang isn’t as “commercially” known as those two. Holly Miranda isn’t as big as she deserves to be (her voice is gorgeous, give her a listen.) The Organ was one of the best bands ever- they split up a few years ago, but their album Grab That Gun is amazing. Obviously a musician- or anyone should not be defined by their sexuality.

But sometimes the community want a voice. A voice that can be trusted. Gaga isn’t a lesbian- so how could she possibly know what it’s like to be a lesbian? If anything, she seems to be like some kind of massive “fag hag.” A phrase that I detest so much. I find it highly offensive and I have no idea why someone would want to call themselves that. Yes, I understand why people admire her- but let’s be honest, she’s not doing anything that hasn’t been done before. Before her- we had Madonna, and before Madonna- the beautiful Grace Jones. Nothing is different anymore. If you want to look up to someone- look up to those who have done it before, and before them. Everything seems to be a carbon copy.

Being an individual isn’t about throwing glitter on your face and yelling you are a free bitch. Being an individual isn’t about embracing who you are- that should be automatic. Someone shouldn’t have to tell you to accept yourself. It’s your skin and your bones- you are the one who has to accept it without being told.

Look up to whoever you want- but make sure in 20 years time, it is someone you’re not ashamed of doing so.

Morrissey. York Barbican. Saturday 25th June 20111.

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It is close to impossible to describe the feeling of seeing Morrissey live, unless you have seen him. You will only get it if you have witnessed it.

There is something so comforting and beautiful about watching a sea of people just lose themselves in front of someone on stage. Every single word is sung back as if their lives depend on it. Every word is sung as if it was written just for you. Every single word that falls out of Morrissey’s mouth is clung onto, like a safety net.

The set-list tonight was quite frankly, the best set-list Morrissey has put together. Opening with I Want The One I Cannot Have, the crowd just go mental. A woman in front of me is standing in the aisle singing and dancing as if she is the only person in the venue- that’s exactly how it should be.

For so long all I’ve ever wanted was to hear Alma Matters, There Is A Light That Never Goes Out and Everyday Is Like Sunday live. Tonight, I heard all 3. I cried and I sang- as expected. Seeing him perform these songs live was euphoric. It felt like a religious experience. To be honest, seeing Morrissey is like a religious experience. His words are the only thing worth believing- because it is the truth.

 

The most fascinating thing about a Morrissey concert is how diverse the crowd is. Men with their best friends, wives with their husbands, children with their parents (like myself!) it is just the most wonderful experience ever. His concerts are life saving. They are something worth holding on for.

As the projection screen falls, and he takes to the stage- tears begin and cheers are echoed throughout the venue.

Although he played pretty much all my favourite songs, there is one part of the concert that meant the most. About 10 years ago I heard Meat Is Murder. The lyrics hit me and I immediately became a vegetarian. To finally see this live was beyond amazing. A video showing animal cruelty was played as Morrissey sang was a chilling experience, I can only hope some left here tonight wanting to be a vegetarian. To not be affected by the video or song, well- they must be a cold person.

Hearing the songs that changed my life in one evening was out of this world.

Speedway and You Have Killed Me were enough to keep the tears flowing. His words mean more to me than anyone will ever know. Sometimes, I don’t understand. All I know is that without Morrissey..well, I don’t know. I really don’t. he has saved so many lives, mine included.

When he is stood in front of you singing the songs that changed and saved your life, this feeling takes over. A feeling that you just cannot describe. For that hour and a half, all feelings of uselessness and feeling worthless just fade away. You don’t feel alone because he is right there in front of you, saying how you feel. He is saying how you feel better than you could.

There are so many times where I wish I could just say to someone, “Listen to this by Morrissey” to sum up how I feel. His words hold more worth and meaning than my own do.

He played his 3 new songs that sadly people decided to bugger off and get a drink during. Action Is My Middle Name is wonderful live, the words are just glorious.

Morrissey’s cover of Lou Reed’s, Satellite Of Love is gorgeous. I could listen to him sing that over and over.

The set ends with This Charming Man; however ending with this just makes you want more. Good job I’m seeing him two more times on this tour.

Ridiculous fan-girl moment, we waited an hour to see him leave the venue. As he stepped into his silver Mercedes, he flashes the small crowd a grin and nods to us all.

Perfect set-list, perfect gig. I could’ve quite happily watched him sing for another hour and a half. I just doubt I could ever love anyone as much as I love him, and I’m alright with that.

The Smiths- There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.

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When I was about 14/15 years old, The Smiths saved my life. I had always been aware of their music, but when I hit that disgusting period of desperation and self-loathing, I found The Smiths properly. Or maybe they found me. I’ve always said I’d be dead without The Smiths/Morrissey. His words have time and time again pulled me through life. I feel most days his words just drag me through.

There is something about the way he words disappointment, sadness and the like that no other has- or ever will

I’d much rather cling onto a song or band than a person for those times I feel like shit. And yes, it is ALWAYS Morrissey that I turn to. I have tried a few times to explain what his words have done to me, but it is for the most part, impossible. It’s like, when you are in love with someone- you cannot explain why you love them. You love everything about them, things you just cannot explain- the things that make them who they are, are the reasons why you love them. That’s how I feel about Morrissey. I love the way he pronounces certain words (November Spawned A Monster, when he sings the word “discussing” is beautiful.)

Some things in life will always remain unexplainable.

There is one song by The Smiths that just sums up everything. Stereotypically it is There Is A Light That Never Goes Out. I constantly have this song playing around in my head. I’ve got an awful attention span and I usually have a vacant gaze upon my face with this song playing round my head. For me, it’s not an issue. For those trying to talk to me, it’s a bit of a pain.

I cannot remember the first time I heard this song, but I know I still get the same feeling now as I did when I first heard it. It’s like a state of euphoria mixed with a hug. I listen to it and it’s like I’m being hugged by Morrissey. It feels like reassurance. As soon as the song starts and Moz sings, “Take me out tonight” it’s like everything that caused you to feel bad just no longer matters.

I’ve never felt at home with anything or anyone. I’m not sure if I do too well with anything permanent, but I do wish to one day feel a sense of belonging. I’m nearly 25; you’d think I’d have felt it by now. But I haven’t, and I doubt I ever will.

Anyway.

There is no doubt that this song is the greatest song ever written. I know it’s not the best song by The Smiths (I Know It’s Over probably is) but there is something about There Is A Light That Never Goes Out that gives you hope. I think the first time I heard it, I just broke down. Sometimes now it still does that. Sometimes out of sadness, sometimes out of happiness. It’s a song I go to for everything. Everything I learnt about life has been from a Morrissey lyric (or nagging from my beautiful mum.)

I have sat in the passenger seats of cars with this song whirling around my head, just never wanting to go back home. Just wanting to stay away for longer than I have to. Four walls aren’t comforting. Company is.

I have laid in the dark playing it over and over taking in ever part of the song. The bass, the guitar, the drums, the lyrics, the vocals- and every time, I notice something else. It constantly leaves me in awe.

If I was to compile a list of songs that saved me, this would easily be my number one. It will always be my number one. The older I get, the less I seem to be less sure of everything. I have no idea if I ever had a sense of innocence when I was younger. I’m fully are I’ve always been a cynic, that won’t ever change. I’ve never relied on a person to get me through things; I don’t want to be let down more times than one should. A piece of music is much more stable. A piece of music is always there.

Maybe this makes me sound like a pathetic fool, but There Is A Light That Never Goes Out will always be my tiny bit of hope in a world so harsh.

Morrissey.

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Some of us are hopeful. Some of us are hopeless. Some of us hold onto the small bit of hope we have and go through life seeing people what they really are and not being afraid to be honest- whilst the rest sit there and puke out lie after lie. There comes a time in life where something clicks. You grow up and see things for how they are. For me, this was when I first heard Everyday Is Like Sunday. Everything about that song summed up my life. This song was apt for where I was growing up. A dull place full or small minded people who probably threw up in their mouths when they saw a homosexual person walk past. And they probably still do. Be yourself. Be honest. Be happy. Be gentle. That’s all. Anyway.

Morrissey. The one person who can sum up who I feel in one stunning line. The person who has advice when everyone seems to be elsewhere. The one person who makes sure you are not alone. Morrissey is the one. The only one. There will never ever be anybody as magnificent as him. They say he is an enigma which is why people are drawn to him. I say he is an exceptional human being who has a genius way with words. Whatever your opinion is on him, you cannot deny how clever he is. Some say he is miserable and never happy. Okay, do you even pay attention to his lyrics? The vast majority are highly humourous. His wit shines through all his songs- especially Bigmouth Strikes Again. Those who throw these comments about Morrissey are those who do not listen to him. They’re probably only listened to How Soon Is Now? and assume the worst about him. Listen to You’re The One For Me, Fatty- then we’ll talk.

We’ve all had dark, distressing, depressing in our lives. I don’t wish to tell you about mine. Nobody needs to ever know. But, Moz pulled me through. Dragged me up and back to what I suppose can called living my life. Now I’m happy. i listen to his words and it’s like a hug. His words are hugs. Do I sound odd? Good. I’ve never claimed to be anything but. Besides, Moz once said: “There is no such thing in life as normal.” That is true. Oh so true.

I have never met a Morrissey fan- by fan I mean someone who has adored him pre- 500 Days Of Summer/liking more than This Charming Man etc. I’m not saying this to sound like a pretenious wanker- far from it. I just wish I had a good friend who I could sit with and trade Moz stories about our favourite songs. Such as how I feel when I hear the intro to Suedehead, things like that. Small things that could lead onto a beautiful conversation. I’ve got friends who like the odd Morrissey song.

A few months ago I was wandering around Liverpool and a woman, I’d say around 35-40 grabbed my arm, “Excuse me love, that M on your arm- is that for Morrissey?” My heart skipped a beat. My mother grinned, and I declared YES! She told me she loved Morrissey. This has never ever happened before.  I felt so proud to be a Morrissey fan. I think most Moz fans will say that they feel Morrissey is a friend. He says words that provide comfort- you don’t need to get your feelings our for Morrissey has already done it for you.

I saw him live twice last year, and each show just blew my mind. The first time was during a shitty time in my life and as soon as he walked on stage I cried. The tears didn’t stop until the end of the show. This happened the second time I saw him. Normally I hate it when someone makes me cry (naturally) but with Morrissey it was everything I felt towards him over the years, decades just poured out. Overwhelming. Oh how I wish he was touring now.

In short, Morrissey is the one. The only one I could ever imagine giving my (musically) heart too. Without him I’d have gone from a lonely awkward teenager to a lonely awkward adult. I’m still awkward, that won’t ever go.

Morrissey is the light that will never go out.

Far Too Honest.

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As much as I love music, and as much as I hate writing personal shit down…I feel I need to let this out. NOW. Before I go to bed and not being able to sleep because this won’t go away. I will probably delete this later on. But I just need to let this out.

I hate the way that I am stupidly shy. If I could, I’d make a CD with every song that sums up how I feel and hand it to a person. This person doesn’t know. In fact, this person will never know because I freeze/don’t talk. If they saw this, they wouldn’t know that this was about them. Maybe it’s not about a person..it’s about the idea of them. Regardless of what it is, it’s actually getting to me in a way that I don’t want it to. So, these songs will sum it up because I don’t have it in me to admit this. Someone else can hah.

Alphabeat-Hole In My Heart. Recently I’ve paid attention to the lyrics and it just sums everything up. Every tiny and large detail. Seriously. I don’t like it, but I love this song. Buggerings!

The Drums- I Felt Stupid. If they do this live in 2 weeks time I think I will have a bit of a cry. It’s just beautiful.

Florence + The Machine- Drumming Song. No words really. I swear the Lungs album sums up my life most of the time.

The Smiths- I Want The One I Can’t Have. I stand by the fact that Morrissey has written a song to describe every feeling that exists. This song shows this.

Morrissey- I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris. It’s so true. Every word sang here is utter truth. Fall for a country rather than a person. A place will not disappoint. People can. But only if you let them.

Morrissey- Let Me Kiss You. Again, shows why Morrissey is my hero. Thanks Moz!

Ellie Goulding- The Writer. I have no idea why…well I do, I just love Ellie. But…I have no idea. I don’t know. The words I guess.

La Roux- Quicksand. The whole album means a lot to me..for reasons I don’t ever wish to talk about, I cannot do it. I was going to put Cover My Eyes on here, but that’d mean listening to it for a few seconds and putting the link up. I cannot listen to that song, it kills me a wee bit. Quicksand though….blaaaaaaaady ‘ell.

Mystery Jets & Laura Marling- Young Love. So beautiful.

Mystery Jets- Two Doors Down. So apt…apart from being two doors down hah.

The Horrors- Mirrors Image. The “crippling shyness” line gets me every single time. Seriously.

Right I’m gonna leave it at that. I need to go to bed because apparently I’ve got shit to do tomorrow. I hope it doesn’t rain so I can go for a walk.

x

Songs Of 2009.

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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.

Albums of 2009.

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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)

xxxx

Morrissey and Doll And The Kicks. Sheffield City Hall. 30th October 2009.

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I saw Morrissey in May in Stirling and I was left feeling as if I had to see him again. And again. You know how it is. So, last night I saw him in Sheffield.

Doll And The Kicks were the support act again, and I can honestly say that they are the best support act I’ve ever seen. Doll manages to control the crowd with her ridiculously powerful voice, even if the venue has not filled up yet. Although, not everyone can be pleased. Some drunken trollop decided to heckle them. So what did Doll do? She dedicated the next song to the fool, which was aptly titled What Goes Around,Comes Around. I bet the woman feels stupid now, or she’ll have a sickening hangover, either is good.

Playing a few new songs and most of their debut album (which you can get off iTunes and their website, I highly recommend that you do!) I fail to see why they have not been signed. They are a brilliant band both live and on record, so why aren’t they signed? There is enough awful music polluting the airwaves, it’s about time something different and decent was being exposed.

If You Care is one track I was partly hoping they wouldn’t play as it just reduced me to tears. My hope was killed. They played it, and Doll dedicated it to those who had gone through a “bad break-up” but I didn’t cry, I just sang and was rather happy to be watching one of the best bands Britain has to offer us right now. Plus they all signed my Morrissey ticket!

 

After various music videos being shown to us, chosen by Morrissey on a projector screen, the screen dropped. The crowd went mental and our hero took to the stage. Clutching the microphone, he said “Can you handle it?!” The response was a mixture of cheers and a chorus of “YES!” Daft question Moz, but thanks for asking!

Opening with This Charming Man then into Black Cloud, I felt like an excited child at Christmas. As soon as he walked on stage I started to cry. Throughout the evening all I kept thinking was, “How can one person make you cry without saying or doing anything?” Then as he started singing I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris, I realised it is because he is one of a kind. His lyrics, his stage presence and his humour are just beautiful. At one point, one of the spotlights was on him and the way he was standing was just so perfect. He was just standing still, not singing and it was just a beautiful moment. I could go on about how he is a legend and how nobody will be able to write lyrics as clever, dark, and witty as him. But if you’re a Moz fan you will know this already. It’s not just in his songs he is a sarcastic fellow, “I hear the shops are now much better in Sheffield.” Was just one of the many witty comments he made throughout the gig.

The set list consisted mainly of b-sides from Swords, which he thanked the “seven people that bought it.”

How Soon Is Now, Cemetry Gates, Irish Blood English Heart and The World Is Full Of Crashing Bores saw the Sheffield crowd go rather ape shit which was a delight to watch. I didn’t know if to watch Moz or the crowd!

Closing with First Of The Gang To Die, it wouldn’t be a Morrissey gig if people in the crowd didn’t try to get on stage with Morrissey.  A few did manage to get on stage, but bloody hell the security were rough with them. One woman was dragged, yet she carried on singing and smiling. You can’t keep a Morrissey fan down.

Who knows if he will be touring the UK again anytime soon, either way I am happy and grateful to have seen my hero twice in the space of 5 months.

Morrissey.

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He’s collapsed on stage, in Swindon this evening. His condition is “stable.” No idea if the rest of the tour is on or off, that’s not important. What’s important is that Moz is okay. I’m meant to be seeing him in Sheffield on Friday.

Either way, get well soon Moz!

x