Tag Archives: Music

SADE.

Posted on by

As much as I like music that was probably made to burst eardrums, sometimes it is nice to listen to something/someone who is beyond precious.

My love for Sade started at a very young age. A lot of people seem to regard Kate Bush as the ultimate UK female musician. As much as I like Kate Bush, she will never mean as much to me as Sade does. Sure both are similar- rarely release records, tour or do interviews. Both make very different types of music. Kate Bush can hit the notes; but I don’t really go for that. I want to hear someone with a smooth voice that eases the soul. Sade is that singer, for me. I cannot remember the first time I heard Sade, but I know I was very very young. It was No Ordinary Love that started my love for Sade.  So far I had a healthy diet of music in my life by this point that consisted of Bob Dylan, Morrissey, Nick Cave and Muddy Waters. My mum and my uncle made it easy for me to be obsessed with music; it was treated as a normal thing. I’ve felt abnormal about most things in my life, but my love for music has always been the one thing I have constantly felt utterly secure with. When I heard Sade’s voice I remember this relaxed feeling taking over. It became something that I craved in other singers and bands. There aren’t really many I felt this way about. A few years later (1995 to be exact) I felt exactly when the same when I heard Aaliyah, to this day I still regard Aaliyah as my favourite singer of all time. I think the closest we can get to a modern-day Sade is probably Jessie Ware.

For me, Sade exposed the emotion of love in a pure way. When I was listening to her before I was aware of human emotion, I was just purely in awe of her voice. I wanted to be a singer who sounded just like her. I wanted the voice of Sade and the looks/style of Aaliyah. Truth be told, I probably still do. As I got older and developed a love for words, I studied Sade’s lyrics more and felt a deeper love towards her music. At times we may think love can be cruel and unkind. But for the most part, it is a vital thing to feel. And without it, there’s no point. I don’t just mean love in a romantic way. Love is vital. Regardless of its context.

Sade’s quiet nature has always been projected into her music. She posses such a delicate voice that instantly soothes your mind, body and soul. Her words go straight to your heart. She’s proof that sometimes; it’s not what you say, but how you say it that proves to have the most importance. Her angelic tones are perfect for the times where you want to shut the world off and be alone; and they also work when you need a feeling summing up. The way she portrays the innocence in most feelings is truly gorgeous.

What I love about Sade is the way she appeals to everybody. She is respected amongst most genres; especially Hip Hop. She’s an artist that is frequently sampled in Hip Hop, and when done right it is nothing short of brilliant. Her music is easy to fall in love with her. It doesn’t matter if you’re obsessed with lyrics or focus on the vocal range; Sade is on a different level. Always has been, always will be.

Her Jazz like atmosphere that is found in her music coupled with her divine voice is something that will always be influential. It doesn’t matter what style of music it is, you can always pick up a Sade influence in there.

About 10 years ago or so, I went to what can only be described as a junkyard, and amongst the crates of vinyl was a copy of her debut record, Diamond Life for £1. It was in perfect condition, fortunately I could afford it. It’s to this day still one of my most valued records I own. Hearing songs such as Your Love Is King (one of the best love songs ever) and When Am I Going To Make A Living on vinyl sounds so pure with the crackling background underneath. Perfection in what others would regard as an imperfection.

Although many have been (and still are) influenced by Sade, I’m not entirely sure a UK singer will ever be as vital as her again. But, that’s just my view and for the most part I’m told I’m wrong. Her voice brings a sense of comfort and ease; her music is the definition of love. In short, she makes you feel safe. I challenge anyone to listen  to By Your Side and not have some kind of emotional breakdown. Again, it is another perfect love song by Sade. If you’re one of those people who bang on about never knowing what true love is, then go outside- by a copy of any Sade record and listen. Close your eyes and just listen. She sets the heart free and a wave of emotion just pours out.

The heart will want what the heart will want. To ever be swayed by something or someone is never really pleasing. To be comforted by words and a voice that unleashes vulnerability and security is always welcomed. As I listen to Sade now, I still feel 6 years old again; as if it is the first time listening to her. She is graceful and timeless. She’s a portrait of beauty in every single way. I still wish that when I sung I sounded like her; instead I sound like someone who has no regard for themselves and has poorly auditioned for one of them painful “reality” shows.

The way Sade carries herself is something not many have seemed to master, and because she is so rare; that’s why she will always be treasured. It doesn’t matter (okay maybe it does….) if she never releases another record, because what we have is enough to get by.  Everything about her is just iconic. Her soulful music is the very core of feelings we wish another would place upon us. There’s always music. Always. But there will never ever be another Sade.

NATURAL ASSEMBLY.

Posted on by

 

As you may know, last week I finally fulfilled my desire to see one of my favourite bands, Cold Cave live. It was something which I had been waiting for quite some time. Being able to wait this long for certain things seems to be a common theme running through my otherwise average life. Electrowerkz was the perfect venue for Cold Cave. However, I do believe it was the support act that pretty much set the atmosphere for the evening.

I’m one of those people who has to arrive just before doors open because I need to see the support band. I need to see them because for the most part, you are witnessing something nobody else has yet heard of. Sometimes it is the first time the band have ever played live. It’s a sacred moment on many levels; and equally beautiful.

A duo took to the stage, covered in black. I knew immediately I was going to fall in love with them. They stood, and the music started. The music started and it felt like some kind of outer-body experience. Live music does this to me most of the time, and I guess it was heightened last Thursday because of Cold Cave.

Natural Assembly are a mysterious duo who just captivate you in the most haunting way. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the stage as they played eerie anthems in a Thursday evening. The haunting synths with vocals that could freak the most stable person out was quite simply perfect to witness before Cold Cave took to the stage. I remember just listening so intensely to Natural Assembly. I felt my body move and sway to the synths. My eyes were firmly shut at times; I cannot remember what I was picturing, but I remember what I was feeling. These are the kinds of moments that stay with you.

I’m not really one for saying who a band are made for. Natural Assembly can appeal to anyone; but mainly those who want music that gives them an elated feeling whilst in the midst of darkness. A new romantic vibe surrounds them. They are just absolutely brilliant and are one of the most memorable bands I’ve ever seen live.

As I watched them I just wanted to hear more and more. I wanted the night to go on for longer than it did. The gig (including both bands) brought a feeling I’ve not had from a live show in a while. All I know is that Natural Assembly make music that has a sense of urgency to it. Sure their sound may take you on a freakish kind of trip, but it also has some kind of apocalyptic feel to it.

I’m writing this listening to them and the same feeling is taking over. This is when you know you have found a band that a worth everything you feel. They are totally worth investing in. I’d like to mention that Forever Falling is so far, their best song. If you want power and fury; you’re going to find it alive and well in this song. One thing I can tell you is that Natural Assembly have that wonderful romantic atmosphere to their music that is found in Cold Cave. Maybe they should do a split 7″ together or something. It’d become an essential collectable for music lovers like myself. Both create dramatic music that makes you glad your heart is still beating.

I bought a t-shirt of Natural Assembly as soon as their set ended. Something inside of me knew I had watched a band full of something refreshing and much-needed that night. There was something there that just set off a bunch of emotions I have towards music. I sincerely hope they become massive and gain a cult following like Cold Cave have.

However as much as I adore the band, I know I cannot make you feel the same as I do. So, maybe you should do the right thing and listen to their music here: https://soundcloud.com/naturalassembly

Enjoy and don’t be afraid to be afraid, and to feel.

I wear my Natural Assembly t-shirt with nothing but complete and utter pride.

LITTLE DEATH MACHINE

Posted on by

My attention span at the best of times is borderline atrocious. I think the only thing that has ever held my attention is music. Last week when I saw Cold Cave, I really don’t think I tore my eyes away from Wes Eisold at all. Sometimes I’m able to find a distraction for a few seconds, but something happened. I’m not sure what. Maybe it was the dark atmosphere that just kept me there. It is hard to tear yourself away from music that pretty much sums your life up. Past or present; it is still part of you. The darkness that is in Cold Cave’s music is not as brutal as it is in some. By some I mean Little Death Machine

Little Death Machine are, for me, on the same level as Comanechi and Cold In Berlin. Passionately belting out words that send shivers down your spine. The words you wish you could say. So you stand in line and bite your tongue like the rest of them. You keep silent so bands like Little Death Machine can project wonderful noise into your ears and make your heart thump dramatically in time to the ferocious drum beats.

Daniel and Clare released their debut single, Hit Me last month. Hit Me is a thrashing delight that will make you want to lovingly throttle someone in time to the guitar. Or maybe it is safer for you to just throw your body about in time instead. It’s safer, and won’t resort in a prison sentence. Daniel’s eerie vocals remind you ever so slightly of Chris Corner (IAMX.) Clare is an INSANE drummer. She’s aggressive in a non-threatening manner. It is possible, trust me. The video to Hit Me is an epileptic’s nightmare, but brilliant anyway.

A raw and rambunctious energy moves in and out of Hit Me. In a way that makes you move around in a questionable fashion. Their sound is ideal for dark and dingy basement venues that makes sweat fall from every part of you. The sweat of others drips onto you as they shake their torso next to you, and you return the favour. An intimate form of movement, and those that are in the same moment as you understand fully what the music means, and the impact it immediately had. Having a grip like this is envious, I wish I could make music that was as powerful as this. One song. Just one song is all they have; but it’s caused something. Something beautiful beyond words. A quiet storm.

When I’m sent music that is this powerful, I wish I could write something equally as beautiful as what I’ve been sent to listen to. I struggle with words sometimes, but bands like Little Death Machine make it easy for the words to fall out. They are yet again, another band that fully justify my love for duos. Sure I could have just written about their debut single but I’d much rather go deeper and to the core of what music does. Albeit what it does to me, but I live in hope that someone out there will read this or something else I’ve written and feel that someone gets how they feel about music. I’m in awe that a band can be so brilliant with just ONE song. I’m excited for their future and what they do next.

There’s comfort in dark surroundings. There’s beauty in haunting music. Nothing must ever be typical or conventional.

You can buy the single here: http://littledeathmachine.bandcamp.com/track/hit-me

Cold Cave. Electrowerkz. 08/08/2013.

Posted on by

 

Photo taken by me

Photo taken by me

 

 

Having the person who’s music dragged you through hell and back and back some more, to have them sing the words that went right into your heart and made everything wrong alright again is something that is truly overwhelming. It leaves you with a smile carved onto your stained heart.

After waiting close to 5 years to see Cold Cave, tonight I finally did. Right at the front leaning on a speaker in a venue that instantly became the best place I had ever seen a band or singer.

The way in which Wes thrashes the mic stand about in a fit of fury and undeniable passion, it immediately becomes infectious. I didn’t sing to the songs, instead my body became the most free it has been in a long time. I felt it was just me and the band. Maybe tonight was all in my head. It’s going to be in my heart for the rest of my life.

Hearing songs like Hello Rats (my most personal favorite) live changes everything. It adds something to your life that not much else can. Maybe this is because I love music in such a deep and passionate way. It says the things that I simply cannot say.

What I’ve loved about Cold Cave for so long is Wesley’s way with words. From American Nightmare to Cold Cave, his words have always been a safety net for me. And for someone who isn’t a fan of the skin they are in, tonight I didn’t feel so ugly.

I’m writing this on the tube home trying to take in everything I witnessed and felt tonight. The love Wes and Amy have for each other is so beautiful to see. As he aggressively thrashes the mic stand, he becomes so calm stood next to her. We all have that one person who does that to us, and when you have it-it is for the rest of your life.

The dark stage, the dingy room; the whole atmosphere was romantic and ethereal. I closed my eyes and moved my body. I closed my eyes and I felt okay in my body.

Wes frequently walked to the edge of the stage, a drop of his sweat fell on my head. My girlfriend has told me to shower when I get home.

Tonight changed and stirred something inside. I’m aware this isn’t a typical review of a show, but typical is something we must shy away from. It was clear that Amy and Wes were humbled by the show. It was a beautiful evening.

The projector behind them said “There is hope.” Words can mean more than actions, Cold Cave proved that tonight

ANCIENT TIMES.

Posted on by

 

 

I should probably start some kind of support group for my addiction to Soft Power Records. However they are the ones fuelling my addiction and I’m more than okay with it.

They’ve sent me a lot of music that is just exceptional. Especially the likes of Autumns and September Girls. They’re like a tailor-made music service. So when I checked my emails earlier and saw something from them, I knew I was about to listen to something that would be nothing short of brilliant.

Like Autumns, Ancient Times is one person making their own sound. They have each created something that maybe has been done before, but by no means are they a copy. As I listened to Ancient Times I immediately thought of one person who George Smale reminded me slightly of; Morrissey. I imagine those who dislike/don’t get Moz will automatically turn their noses up at this, but whatever. George has a vulnerable voice that flows so beautifully over wonderfully crafted crooked and creepy sounds.  You’d think hailing from the sunny delight that is Brighton he would make music that projects that; well, he doesn’t nor does he need to. His music makes me happy but he doesn’t need to go on about how beautiful everything looks in order to do this. Everyone experiences happiness in different ways, and beauty too.

His latest single, Nightschool/Hieroglyphic is a perfect introduction to the debut vinyl release of such a talent. With the likes of Dirty Beaches proving you do not need to have 5 people in a band to make glorious music; I think Ancient Times is going to be just fine with what he does. When one person puts their all into something, they become more believable and maybe accessible. There are no hidden meanings, just a wealth of passion in his music which is bloody infectious and of course, delightful.

Now I’m not fully aware of the music scene in Brighton. I can only hope Brighton is aware of George and treasures him as he makes his way into the corrupt world of the music industry. But I think he will be just fine. There’s strength in his vocals and poise in his lyrics. He’s going to go far, there’s no denying that.

The vinyl is released  via Soft Power Records on 16th September 2013, and you can listen to it here: http://softpowerrecords.bandcamp.com/releases

 

A deep, dark confession: One Direction.

Posted on by

Some things are hard to comes to terms with. Some people cry at the end of TV series (I have no idea why) and some people cry when a band they love splits up (the wound of The Long Blondes splitting will never ever heal.) However, there are some things you just have to eventually face up to.

My name is Olivia. I am 26 years old and I like One Direction.

That was harder than coming out. I did it by text to my mum; she doesn’t let me forget. She’s a liberal soul, but she’s not going to accept my fondness of those 5 lads. Considering I used to dislike them, mainly because they were on a “talent” show. Maybe they are the only ones that have possessed an ounce of talent. I have no idea, I don’t follow such shows but over the past few months I feel I have been sucked into the world of One Direction. I wholeheartedly blame my girlfriend. She refers to them as “my boys.” She has no shame about her love for them, and you know what? Why should see?! I’ve been thinking about my fondness of One Direction, and I think it started in April.

My girlfriend went to see them in London with a pal on the Easter Bank Holiday. I’ve never seen a person get so excited over a concert before. As I waited for her later in the evening at Marylebone station, I saw young girls emerge from the escalator with their parents. Holding as much merch as their tiny limbs could carry. They looked insanely happy. For most, this was their first ever concert. My first ever concert was Backstreet Boys. They FLEW through the crowd. I think my mum enjoyed it more than I did. Tatyana Ali was the support; I enjoyed her the most. I know the importance of live music and the first concert a person goes to. It stays with you for the rest of your life. These girls weren’t watching some sad-looking kid with an acoustic guitar stare at the ground singing pretentious prose. They were watching 5 lads putting on a show; for them, it doesn’t end. And for those seeing them for the first time; their love for One Direction more than likely catapulted.

I’ve seen people slag One Direction off. I’ve more than likely been one of them. I loved their first song, then I thought they were a bit shit. I was then played some other songs by my girlfriend and I kind of adjusted to the fact that, they do have talent. I don’t know if they write any of their own songs- but sometimes it doesn’t matter. I’m by no means comparing them to her, but people forget that Billie Holiday, although one of the greatest singers of all time; she didn’t write a lot of her own songs. It’s the feeling you put into a song that makes the singer make it their own- even if they haven’t written it. I doubt One Direction will have a legacy like Billie Holiday, hopefully someone with even a tiny bit of intelligence will understand what I mean.

I recently read an extract from the band’s interview in GQ Magazine, and I was pretty much disgusted that this “journalist” decided to go at Harry’s personal life. He’s 19 years old. Does anyone really want to know about a 19 year olds sex life? Or any age really? I just care about music; and for the most part, I think most do. But society is becoming more voyeuristic isn’t it. There is no doubt that they’ve grown up. Hopefully they’ll stop wearing awful chinos. No one should wear chinos. And they’ll stick with the hair cuts they have. Thousands of teenage girls would weep if young Harry chopped off his curls. I’d be sad too.

I remember telling someone I loved Girls Aloud. Their reaction was, “You can’t like Girls Aloud.” I asked them why, and they said it is because I listen to “strange music.” No, what is strange is people having small minds and thinking a person should limit themselves to one genre. Pop music right now is awful. For the most part. When Girls Aloud were around, they had something that was above the current state of Pop music. It is unexplainable which is what drew you in. It’s what drew me in. That, and the fact Call The Shots is probably one of the best Pop songs EVER. In some respects, I compare One Direction to Girls Aloud. Thrown together without ever meeting each other on a reality show. Written off immediately by a lot, and loved instantly by even more it seemed. One Direction are an accessible boy band because they don’t oil themselves up, do dance routines that are so bad and nor do they take themselves seriously. I recognised this a few weeks ago when I came home from work, put the TV on and saw ITV2 were premiering the video to Best Song Ever. A song which I love a hell of a lot. As for the video? I love it even more. The first three seconds of the video are hilarious. The noise Harry (or Marcel) makes when he brings out Leeroy (Liam) is similar to the noise I made when I met Patti Smith. Leeroy’s camp entrance is excellent. Zayn makes an attractive woman. Louis and Niall portray record company execs in the way most of us see them. The dance routine at the end is similar to moves I have once unleashed. That dance routine should become a craze.

So, apparently I shouldn’t like One Direction because my favourite bands are The Jesus And Mary Chain, and that Morrissey is my musical hero. We like what we like, we dislike what we dislike. To dictate that to someone else is pretty shit isn’t it. Maybe these pre-pubescent girls who love One Direction may hit 18 and decide that Opera is the genre for them. Who cares? Only boring people limit themselves. I can’t imagine just listening to one style of music. I can’t imagine not ever having Townes Van Zandt or Big Daddy Kane amongst my record collection. It’d be dull and lifeless. I’d be dull and lifeless. Shit, maybe I am dull. I have no idea. I don’t think I’m the one who can answer that.

The best thing about music is that people connect over it. It brings people joy. Seeing my girlfriend as happy as she was after seeing her boys was truly beautiful. Hearing these kids talking about the concert with their parents on the train home was wonderful. Live music is more powerful than we think at times. Although I won’t be rushing to see One Direction anytime soon (£50+….no thanks!) I fully appreciate just how much they mean to so many. It’s not just England that adores these boys; it’s everywhere in the world. They’ve achieved more than most will do in their lifetime, and to do it at such a young age, I respect them for it. They are living out their dreams, so instead of announcing your hate for someone who does that, why don’t you go out and live out your own?

My name is Olivia. I’m 26, and I think One Direction are bloody brilliant.

RAKIM.

Posted on by

I remember the day I was handed a copy of Don’t Sweat The Technique by Eric B & Rakim. I was only 12 years old. An age where puberty is the biggest concern, but mine was, on that day “How quickly can I learn the words to the songs?!” Some jotted down the names of boys they liked in their maths notebooks. I obviously never felt the need to do that, for the obvious reasons. I wrote names of bands I loved and ideas for my own songs. I could recite the words to certain songs immediately but I couldn’t recite you a simple maths equation. Languages had my full attention. Hip Hop was a language at that age that I understood more than anything.

I walked through school playing Don’t Sweat The Technique on my portable tape player. It had a tendency to chew up tapes, so I had to be extra special with this one as it wasn’t mine. I still played it over and over. I was hearing something I hadn’t heard before. It opened up the floodgates to a love for a style of music that, although I may not follow it now- the love will always be there. I cannot connect to the current state of Hip Hop. Anything after 2004 seemed to just be, well, crap really. Something died within it. I’m not sure what.

As much as I probably should write about Eric B & Rakim, I just really want to focus on Rakim. When I was getting into Hip Hop I wasn’t sure what I was going to be steered towards. Was I going to fall for Gangsta rap or was I going to go towards something more laid back? With a love already cemented in the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, it was obvious that the latter was going to be the way I went. I couldn’t (and thankfully so) relate to seeing friends being murdered or thrown in prison. I could relate to disliking the state of the world and where I was living. Hip Hop made me want to change everything, Hip Hop gradually made me feel okay with wanting to want more from life. I think Punk made me go get it. Both are equally as important to me.

Rakim probably has one of the most distinctive and influential voices in Hip Hop. If it wasn’t for him, a lot of the rappers past and present may never have picked up a mic. His laid back approach and his soul-touching lyrics just made him an immediate icon. He had something that no other has ever had. He never sped up, he never resorted to violent lyrics to be respected. He used his intelligence to get his point across. He freed your mind when you listened to him; he made you want to learn more about the world. As thankfully, where you were at the time you first heard him- isn’t the place you will always be.  Rakim was influenced by Jazz, which I think really did mold his technique. His voice was a form of guidance. Whether solo or with Eric B; everything he said just made you think.

Rakim has been involved in Hip Hop since he was about 18 years old; he may not be as active as he once was within Hip Hop but he is someone who is continuously referenced. What I loved about Rakim was his way of incorporating religion into his lyrics. I’m not a religious person, but I enjoy hearing people’s stories as to why they believe and what God they believe in. There’s something obviously above us, but I choose something more spiritual. It is important to believe in something, because maybe one day, it might be the only thing you have left. The way he puts his knowledge of Islam into his music is beautiful. He portrays it in the way it truly is- peaceful and kind. It’s a shame those with closed minds cannot see this.

Rakim’s wordplay is something that many have obviously tried to copy, but never quite got there. Don’t mess with perfection is probably the message you can take from that. He never bragged about this and that; he encouraged you to learn. He’s the opposite of everything you hear now. No one else has ever really come close. It is obvious the likes of Talib Kweli, Common and Mos Def have been influenced heavily by them. I guess that’s why I’ll always regard those three as being exceptional in what they do. I think Mos might be the closet to perfecting everything Rakim did. By this I mean, when I listen to Mos I just want to learn something new. I don’t care what; I just want my head to be filled with as much knowledge as possible. I’d rather a rapper list Philosophers that have influenced them than someone reeling off designer brands. That I can relate to. Intelligence will always overrule. Rappers like Rakim will be mentioned in 20 more years from now. No one is going to care about certain rappers that are coming out now. I don’t need to name names.

Many regard Rakim as a teacher; you cannot help but agree with them. He taught many how to pick up a mic and just speak from the heart. To touch on subjects many want to shy away from because it doesn’t bring in money. I’d always choose having a free mind than wanting to have as much money possible. Materialism is something I’ve never got my head around, and probably never ever will, thankfully.

If I never heard Don’t Sweat The Technique I’m not really sure what my relationship with Hip Hop would be like. Rakim is one of the very few rappers who have left a lasting impact not just on Hip Hop, but Music in general. His relaxed approach and thought-provoking lyrics made him more than “just a rapper.” His words connected the listener straight away; within each song there was always something there to relate to. I couldn’t sleep the other night, and BET’s Hip Hop Awards from last year were on, he received the I Am Hip Hop Icon Award. An award he rightfully deserves, but let’s be honest- an award doesn’t sum up just how great he is. His music does that alone. He is New York’s finest. He’s the embodiment of Hip Hop. He is Hip Hop in its truest form. Rakim IS Hip Hop.

QUIET AS A MOUSE- Home Is The Hardest Place To Find.

Posted on by

 

 

 

 

For the most part, most of us have several songs that sum us up. Maybe they are songs that are too painfully accurate to listen to; when honesty strikes like that it can be a pain for sure. But sometimes you have to ignore that. Sometimes.

But there are songs that even before you hear it- the title alone sums up how you feel. This pretty much explains how I feel about Quiet As A Mouse’s new one. Home is a difficult place to find; sometimes you think you have found it, only to discover it wasn’t right. Or the place you are supposed to call home makes you feel uneasy. The best thing to do is leave, and start again. I’ve done it many times. I know I’ve got it right this time, finally.

Quiet As A Mouse are a Scottish band which of course makes them brilliant. My favourite band is Scottish, and my love for them has stemmed onto other Scottish bands. Quiet As A Mouse are 4 guys who make a lot of noise that is full of passion. Noise with a lot of meaning and fight behind it.

Their new single, Home Is The Hardest Place To Find is produced by Marcus Mackay who has worked with the likes of Sparrow & The Workshop and mastered by Chris Potter who has worked with Arctic Monkeys, Suede and Anna Calvi. But, regardless of who they have worked with on this single it is still excellent. Most spit at the term “Indie” but I guess it is because it no longer has any meaning. Just because a band were mentioned in NME or you’re the only one who likes them doesn’t make them Indie. It’s a generic term to satisfy those who NEED what they listen to be defined, which is pretty sad. The best kind of music goes beyond needing that, that’s why I like Quiet As A Mouse. They make music that comes from the heart, and that is sometimes the hardest kind of music to find. But when you find it, you cling onto it and it becomes part of your life- in a big way.

Quiet As A Mouse do not sound like a band you can tie a comparison to; which is another reason as to why I think they are above most. When a band is a carbon copy of another band, it sounds so desperate and becomes a chore to listen to. Their sound is nothing like their band name. They are a firm name within the Scottish music scene, and it is only a matter of time before a crazed wave of love for this band erupts.

Home Is The Hardest Place To Find is out 12th August, and you can catch the guys live:

– 9th August at Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh
– 12th August at Birthdays in Dalston, London (free entry release show)
– 15th August at Broadcast in Glasgow
– 31st August at Liquid Room in Edinburgh (support show)
Check out their other sounds right here: https://soundcloud.com/quiet-as-a-mouse

HAPPY YORKSHIRE DAY!

Posted on by

 

 

 

Today is quite frankly the most important day of the year. After Record Store Day, of course. This day embodies everything wonderful. This day is full of power..and bravery…and other stuff. I don’t know.

This day is so important as it is made for such wonderful people.

Yorkshire. Today is YOUR day. Yorkshire, if you did not already know, is THE best county in the UK. You don’t need statistics to tell you, it’s just a fact. Everyone knows it. Don’t listen to those who don’t agree. They just wish they had Yorkshire blood in them. As grim as the North may be- Yorkshire will always be above the rest.

With that aside, here are some of the best things (musically) to come from Yorkshire:

Was Westwood Ever Relevant?

Posted on by

 

 

 

I should be writing this from my mum’s house. I should have flown home for the weekend. I didn’t. Normally it’s because I missed my flight, but this time it’s because I’m ill. It’s either an ear infection or my wisdom teeth are making a wonderful appearance. Advised by my mum and a pharmacist to not fly, I listened. For once. I even rang NHS Direct which proved to be a waste of 4 hour. “Just take some paracetamol.” WOW. I hadn’t thought of that. I got to thinking, and this is where it led me.

Most people slag off “commercial” radio just to seem cool or “different.” Let’s be honest, you have no control over what the radio plays so get angry over stuff that matters. IE: Everything that happens in Russia. I love listening to the radio. Yesterday at work we had 1XTRA on all day. They had an hour where they played old stuff. I felt 14 again. They played Lil’ Mo and FOXY BROWN. I nearly fainted at my desk. I was so happy to hear the songs I used to love being played on the radio. They even played that Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill duet. As I was listening to these songs, I realised who was responsible for me hearing these songs in the first place. Tim Westwood, of course.

I used to listen to Westwood’s show religiously on a Friday and Saturday night. The radio was my best friend from a very young age. If it wasn’t for the radio, I may not have learnt to love music in the way I do. For the most part radio presenters love the sound of their own voice. Maybe Westwood did too. I have no idea. I used to ring his show a lot. I got through once when Mystikal was on. At that time I was a HUGE Mystikal fan. He turned out to be a rapist. I have his autograph. He addressed it to me. I had Westwood’s and Trevor Nelson’s autographs too. Theirs were on a postcard, I was so happy. I recorded my conversation with Westwood and Mystikal. I still have the tape. I used to record certain songs off the radio. Every Foxy Brown was taped. When he’d play rappers coming in and doing a freestyle- I’d record them all. I once won the R&B Top 20 off Trevor Nelson’s show on Radio 1. I still have all the CDs.

Westwood made compilation records. I think I bought the first 4 of them. Then I kind of lost interest. I realised not all the songs were played in full and he kept shouting over the songs. I don’t mind on the radio, but not on record. Not cool Westwood, not cool. A lot of people are quick to call him many things. Not many are positive. I can see why some may call him a joke but if it wasn’t for him a lot of rappers past and present over the past two decades may never have got any radio play in the UK. Hip Hop was always deemed as “bad.” Kind of like the naughty kid at school. You privately wanted to be its friend but in the public you turned your back. I’ve turned my back on the current state of rap music. 1XTRA are currently playing Macklemore. I really don’t get the appeal. I cannot stand his music at all. Maybe it is because I can’t relate to his music, or maybe because I just don’t like it. I think it is both. I’d rather listen to EPMD.

I used to love it when Westwood would link up with New York’s HOT 97. Funkmaster Flex to Angie Martinez (I did a Spanish project on her, and emailed it to her. She saw. I got a B!) When HOT 97 took over for an hour or so on Westwood’s show, the listeners were exposed to more underground New York Hip Hop. Artists that Westwood had mentioned and maybe not played yet; they were being exposed to a UK audience because of Westwood.

Westwood’s show introduced me to one of the rappers that became a massive part of my life; Big L. Big L, as soon as I heard his freestyle that Westwood played I knew I had found someone truly amazing. Big L was a freestyle genius. I cannot, and you simply cannot, compare Big L’s style to anyone else. Westwood had 20 years on the radio, I had been listening to him for half of that. In that time I appreciated Hip Hop in a different way. I used to love it when he’d play the intro to a song about 5 times then eventually play it or when he’d play the same song over and over because he loved it that much. It was like you were listening to music with your best friend. They were getting excited about the music with you. It didn’t matter that he’d play it over and over because you did the same too. I know I did when I used to tape certain songs.

I remember the week after Aaliyah died, he did a tribute to her and it was truly beautiful. He didn’t play much R&B back then, but he played a few of her songs and just paid tribute to someone that obviously, should still be alive.

Sure Radio 1 is pretty much a station that is a victim of playing the same songs every hour. Most stations do to be honest. There aren’t many that don’t. Even though I don’t listen to it, I know it is an important platform to subjecting people to new music. I find my new music by spending hours looking for it wherever I can. This doesn’t make me better than someone who loves Radio 1. I don’t care what station anyone listens to, I’m just glad the radio is still being listened to.

The best thing is when you flick through radio stations and you hear a song that you loved a long time ago. This happened to me yesterday and it was brilliant. I don’t care where I hear the songs I love so long as someone is playing them.

So is Westwood relevant? Has he ever been? I cannot understand why someone would say he’s never been relevant. I used to love Jay-Z (I’m not dropping the hyphen) and I regard Reasonable Doubt to be his best album. The Blueprint may have been he last decent record. The Black Album is a solid record too; but after that, I stopped caring. He started to sound like the new rappers that were emerging. I’d rather go back and listen to the old stuff, and be happy with that than listen to his new stuff and weep for what should have been. BUT! If it wasn’t for Westwood, nobody in the UK would care this much about Jay. He’s not the best rapper, but he once was. The best rapper around now? I really have no idea. I’ll probably always favour Talib Kweli.

Westwood gave many many Hip Hop artists a platform to be heard. Without him a lot of them would have been overlooked. It’s been a questionable 20 years, but it has been 20 years that have no doubt meant a lot to the Hip Hop community. He may have called himself the “Big Dawg” which I never understood, and he may have been a posh boy with an Anglican Bishop for a father. But he loved Hip Hop in a way that made you love it. To some he may have been a joke, but for some like me; he made Hip Hop a massive part of their lives and really did make a difference. Say what you want about him, but what he did for Hip Hop in the UK may never be done again.

Radio presenter to history maker; you cannot deny what he’s done.