WOW!
What a great christmas cover this is! Dog is Dead known mostly for their happy and Chirpy have covered The Waitresses in an equally chirpy way!
Love this!
Tuesday 13 December 2011
Monday 12 December 2011
Smith & Burrows for Christmas No.1
It is pretty much a certainty these days for the winner of X-Factor to be christmas number one.
Millions of people watch the show and millions of people by the song the winner releases - generally a cover! I guess in one way it's good for music that people still buy the music.
Anyway, Tom Smith & Andy Burrows were drunkenly discussing the loss of the true christmas songs one night in a pub and decided that it was time to write a festive album. They wanted to recapture the Christmas from when they were kids.
'When the Thames Froze' captures the side of Christmas that lot's of people have come to forget - being with family and friends. This is why I am a big fan of this song as that is probably my favourite thing about christmas.
Millions of people watch the show and millions of people by the song the winner releases - generally a cover! I guess in one way it's good for music that people still buy the music.
Anyway, Tom Smith & Andy Burrows were drunkenly discussing the loss of the true christmas songs one night in a pub and decided that it was time to write a festive album. They wanted to recapture the Christmas from when they were kids.
'When the Thames Froze' captures the side of Christmas that lot's of people have come to forget - being with family and friends. This is why I am a big fan of this song as that is probably my favourite thing about christmas.
Sunday 11 December 2011
Theme Park
A band I recently came across are 'Theme Park'. I have done some reading on them and many people have been comparing them to 'Talking Heads' and I can see where they're making the comparison as the music takes on a similar feel.
Obviously we are currently in a period of music where a lot of the "same" sound is being churned out, but 'Theme Park' are fun, happy, dancey and offer a positive look on the world we currently live in and people will love this once it gets out there, certainly in festival season they will be a hit.
Check out -
Obviously we are currently in a period of music where a lot of the "same" sound is being churned out, but 'Theme Park' are fun, happy, dancey and offer a positive look on the world we currently live in and people will love this once it gets out there, certainly in festival season they will be a hit.
Check out -
Saturday 10 December 2011
My first Coldplay experience
I feel I should start this post by saying that I am in no way a Coldplay 'fan' as it were, don't get me wrong I do like some of their music including the newest album 'Mylo Xyloto' but I definitely wouldn't describe myself as a fan.
This gig has probably done enough to realise that despite what many people might say, Coldplay are a great band. If you haven't seen them live then I would suggest doing so, before it's too late.
I have been to my fair share of gigs some big and some small but this one was the biggest and Coldplay didn't disappoint their fans. The media seem to have a frenzy on Chris Martin's unpredictable personality which leaves many people with a bad opinion of him but lets face it, the media are the cause of many controversies these days and will change a story any way they can to make it sell so who can blame for being a bit sceptical of the media (granted most of the time he doesn't help him self).
Not only was this my first time seeing Coldplay but it was also my first trip to the O2 arena which was just insanely big... Furthermore, whilst walking around the arena to get to our seats we noticed a stage for 'December Sessions' - a gig in a gig if you will.
More importantly, back to Coldplay. Upon entering the arena we were given a rather dubious wristband which would soon play a rather amazing role in the night. Coldplay emerged to an expectant crowd and as soon as the music began everyone's wristbands lit up, flashing in time with the music - a truly spectacular sight.
On stage, Coldplay were surprisingly lively and gave it their all in every song in a set which featured mostly classic songs so even the slightly neutrals would be won over. Not only did they perform the songs to perfection, but there was an amazing stage show to support. Giant balloons were release into the crowd and confetti launched into the air during 'In my Place' on more than one occasion.
Adding to the spectacle during 'Clocks' in the encore there was a fairly impressive laser show to keep the audience fixated on the stage.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the O2 and would like to thank Coldplay for putting on such a fantastic show!
This gig has probably done enough to realise that despite what many people might say, Coldplay are a great band. If you haven't seen them live then I would suggest doing so, before it's too late.
I have been to my fair share of gigs some big and some small but this one was the biggest and Coldplay didn't disappoint their fans. The media seem to have a frenzy on Chris Martin's unpredictable personality which leaves many people with a bad opinion of him but lets face it, the media are the cause of many controversies these days and will change a story any way they can to make it sell so who can blame for being a bit sceptical of the media (granted most of the time he doesn't help him self).
Not only was this my first time seeing Coldplay but it was also my first trip to the O2 arena which was just insanely big... Furthermore, whilst walking around the arena to get to our seats we noticed a stage for 'December Sessions' - a gig in a gig if you will.
More importantly, back to Coldplay. Upon entering the arena we were given a rather dubious wristband which would soon play a rather amazing role in the night. Coldplay emerged to an expectant crowd and as soon as the music began everyone's wristbands lit up, flashing in time with the music - a truly spectacular sight.
On stage, Coldplay were surprisingly lively and gave it their all in every song in a set which featured mostly classic songs so even the slightly neutrals would be won over. Not only did they perform the songs to perfection, but there was an amazing stage show to support. Giant balloons were release into the crowd and confetti launched into the air during 'In my Place' on more than one occasion.
Adding to the spectacle during 'Clocks' in the encore there was a fairly impressive laser show to keep the audience fixated on the stage.
I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the O2 and would like to thank Coldplay for putting on such a fantastic show!
Friday 9 December 2011
Maccabees vs Frightened Rabbit
Walking in the Air is a pretty famous christmas song that featured in the film The Snowman and I'm sure people have seen these cover versions but just in case I'm going to share them with you.
I guess it's up to you to make your mind up on which one you prefer but I feel each has their own individual greatness.
Maccabees
Frightened Rabbit
Either way you look at it, both covers are great!
I guess it's up to you to make your mind up on which one you prefer but I feel each has their own individual greatness.
Maccabees
Frightened Rabbit
Either way you look at it, both covers are great!
Thursday 8 December 2011
Josh T Pearson
Admittedly I hadn't given Josh T Pearson a listen until I saw that he topped the Rough Trade album of the year (which I always find to be a good choice).
Although I understand it may not be everyone's cup of tea, I find this man exceptional. His weary voice speaks of pain and anguish which I think we can all relate to.
The Texas man took a 10 year hiatus after 'Lift to Experience' released just one album but now Josh T Pearson is back doing it on his and his album 'Last of the Country Gentlemen' is certainly a great album from the year 2011.
Although I understand it may not be everyone's cup of tea, I find this man exceptional. His weary voice speaks of pain and anguish which I think we can all relate to.
The Texas man took a 10 year hiatus after 'Lift to Experience' released just one album but now Josh T Pearson is back doing it on his and his album 'Last of the Country Gentlemen' is certainly a great album from the year 2011.
Bleeding Heart Narrative
Green Man Festival just posted a video of a Bleeding Heart Narrative session from the festival.
I was not at Green Man but I sure as hell am going to go next year, just have to deal with the heavy commute to Wales. Im sure it's worth it though, it really looks like an amazing Festival!
I did however manage to see Bleeding Heart Narrative at Truck Festival and after one too many local Oxford ales it was more than welcome to be able to sit, relax and listen to some beautiful music with a hint of folk.
Having been around since 2008 im almost ashamed to have not heard of nor seen them sooner, they were certainly one of my Festival highlights of the summer.
I was not at Green Man but I sure as hell am going to go next year, just have to deal with the heavy commute to Wales. Im sure it's worth it though, it really looks like an amazing Festival!
I did however manage to see Bleeding Heart Narrative at Truck Festival and after one too many local Oxford ales it was more than welcome to be able to sit, relax and listen to some beautiful music with a hint of folk.
Having been around since 2008 im almost ashamed to have not heard of nor seen them sooner, they were certainly one of my Festival highlights of the summer.
Tuesday 6 December 2011
Forest City Lovers
Yet another exceptional band to come from Canada!
Forest City Lovers are headed by Kat Burns who possesses a sweet and gentle voice and the sound is quirky as well as innocent. I'd have to describe this band quite simply as cute.
Even more reason why Canadian Folk-pop is the best.
Forest City Lovers are headed by Kat Burns who possesses a sweet and gentle voice and the sound is quirky as well as innocent. I'd have to describe this band quite simply as cute.
Even more reason why Canadian Folk-pop is the best.
Dry The River
Following the news yesterday that 'Dry the River' are set to release their debut album, I felt the compulsory need to listen to them as much as possible!
So much good to say about this band, roll on the 5th March!
So much good to say about this band, roll on the 5th March!
Monday 5 December 2011
Admiral Fallow and Frightened Rabbit
I just realised I was selfish in not sharing this on here.
Some of you may have already seen it but for those of you who don't know, this is Scott from Frightened Rabbit and Louis from Admiral Fallow performing 'Don't go Breaking my Heart' together, I really wish I was there!
Do the Scottish really know how blessed they are to have two great bands in their country and also such an amazing accent!
Some of you may have already seen it but for those of you who don't know, this is Scott from Frightened Rabbit and Louis from Admiral Fallow performing 'Don't go Breaking my Heart' together, I really wish I was there!
Do the Scottish really know how blessed they are to have two great bands in their country and also such an amazing accent!
Black Books (The Band)
Another band that I recently found are 'Black Books'.
The five piece band from Austin Texas have an EP out called 'An introduction to'
They possess a folky yet electric sound. Well worth the listen. Remind me of mix up of Death Cab for Cutie and Groove Armada.
Here is 'The Big Idea'
The five piece band from Austin Texas have an EP out called 'An introduction to'
They possess a folky yet electric sound. Well worth the listen. Remind me of mix up of Death Cab for Cutie and Groove Armada.
Here is 'The Big Idea'
It's that time of the Year
As the new year is approaching most people have been busy compiling their top ten albums of the year.... I am finding it very difficult!
I can only say of a few bands that I know will make it into the top ten at the moment.
How does everyone do it...
Hopefully I will have a list ready before 2012
I can only say of a few bands that I know will make it into the top ten at the moment.
How does everyone do it...
Hopefully I will have a list ready before 2012
New Discovery!
I am determined to make more new discoveries.
Seeing as it's coming up to the end of the year and soon to be 2012 which of course is when the world will end I feel I should be finding new bands for next year.
Today I found someone who I had heard quite a lot about but only listened to recently.
Dan Mangan is certainly pleasing my ears. Granted he has done quite a bit since 2007 but a friend of mine today told me to listen to him and I thought it was about time. Hailing from Canada he provides a charismatic Folk sound that I am a sucker for!
Not only does he possess a hauntingly honest voice but the use of strings in the songs as well as electric guitar creates quite a fresh sound.
Favourite song of the new album 'Oh Fortune' is probably 'Post War Blues' and here it is:-
Enjoy x
Seeing as it's coming up to the end of the year and soon to be 2012 which of course is when the world will end I feel I should be finding new bands for next year.
Today I found someone who I had heard quite a lot about but only listened to recently.
Dan Mangan is certainly pleasing my ears. Granted he has done quite a bit since 2007 but a friend of mine today told me to listen to him and I thought it was about time. Hailing from Canada he provides a charismatic Folk sound that I am a sucker for!
Not only does he possess a hauntingly honest voice but the use of strings in the songs as well as electric guitar creates quite a fresh sound.
Favourite song of the new album 'Oh Fortune' is probably 'Post War Blues' and here it is:-
Enjoy x
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