Salford Music Festival

I didn't go unfortunately, I was planning on going to one of the pubs near me to see a few acts that looked decent on Saturday night but then I realised that I already had plans. I wanted to go to The White Swan in Swinton as 'Beat The Bandit' looked like a really good new band with some decent original tracks. In their bio it says 'As a band, we concentrate on the instrumental aspect of our performance, with guitar riffs taking the front seat. We then back these up with powerful drum beats and unique vocals; producing all our own original material whilst keeping enough variation to keep the crowd interested.'

Foo Fighters - Times Like These

I do like Foo Fighters, some of their songs are pretty decent but i'm just not a fan of half way through a song when they remember they're an American rock band and have to shout and scream as loud as possible. My all time favourite Foos song is 'Times Like These' and its just perfection when Dave Grohl did an acoustic version for Radio 1.

Sia & Flo!

I know these two songs have been around for a bit now but for me they were those that you hear slightly on the radio but never look them up, so, I decided to look them up. These women are two of my favourite singers and now they've colaborated with two great DJs they sound even better!

Calvin Harris - Sweet Nothing ft. Florence Welch
I really love this song as well as the video where Flo begins performing in a grotty strip club, dressed in a suit and with her hair slicked up. She then throws off the suit and strips down to her underwear. After Calvin's remix of 'Spectrum' I had high expectations for this track and it really does live up to them!



David Guetta - She Wolf ft. Sia
I love Sia, and her work with David Guetta has made me love him as well! They've made this genre of music sound so different and now it appeals to a greater audience so now I love it, as well as my mum! (Titanium is her fave)

Record Of The Week 24

23rd September 2012 Bastille - Flaws

If you haven’t heard of Bastille then take a minute to listen to this track as its likely you will hear a lot more from the band cited by Gigwise as being 'Perhaps the most exciting prospect in indie for a long time' Also I really love this track!

Record Of The Week 23

16th September 2012 Tall Ships - Gallop

I heard this yesterday on Huw Stevens' show on Radio 1 and I loved it straight away. The track is taken from their debut album, Everything Touching, which is due out October 8th.

Mercury Music Prize 2012!

Alt - J



The shortlist for the 2012 Mercury Music Prize has been anounced! The final award for the £20,000 prize will be announced on 1st November.
The nominations are..
Alt-J – 'An Awesome Wave'
Richard Hawley – 'Standing On The Sky’s Edge'
Plan B - 'Ill Manors'
Sam Lee – 'Ground Of Its Own'
Lianne La Havas – 'Is Your Love Big Enough?'
Django Django – 'Django Django'
The Macabees – 'Given To The Wild'
Ben Howard – 'Every Kingdom'
Jessie Ware – 'Devotion'
Roller Trio – 'Roller Trio'
Field Music – 'Plum'
Michael Kiwanuka – 'Home Again' I am well chuffed that two of my favourite albums Ben Howard's 'Every Kingdom' and Alt J's 'An Awesome Wave' have been nominated! But to be honest out of the two, I reckon Alt J have the advantage because it is ALWAYS an obscure artist! I like to see that I have actually heard of a lot of the list!

Record Of The Week 22

9th September 2012 Can't Stop Won't Stop - Up and Away ft. June

I know this was released like 7 months ago but I have only recently heard it. I heard it on a YouTube video from Jacksgap where they went to Ibiza (I have blogged about that before) from earlier in the year and I loved it so much I downloaded it - give it a listen!

The Vaccines and Two Door Cinema Club albums!

I FINALLY got these two albums that I have been needing half the year, they are currently being transferred onto my IPod and I cannot wait to listen to them!
I have listened to a few songs off The Vaccines' album and they sound amazing at the moment. Unfortunately I couldn't go to their signing in Manchester on Tuesday because I ended up going out somewhere. Sad times.
ALSO unbeknown to me whilst I was sat at home in my pyjamas yesterday, Two Door Cinema Club did a signing in Manchester too! I went to buy the albums today and the man went They both did a signing here you know. THANKS FOR TELLING ME NOW MATE.
Anyway, The Vaccines seem to be taking the top spot in the charts at the moment!





New Releases

Today is a big day for new releases! The Vaccines and Two Door Cinema Club both have their second albums out but who do you think deseves the top spot?
Well I was looking forward to going to The Vaccines' signing in Manchester tomorrow until I was ditched so now I can't go unless I find someone who likes them enough to queue up for a few hours to meet them with me. Gutting for moi.
I shall be getting both albums tomorrow hopefully as well as The Hunger Games DVD! Yes, that also comes out today and although the books are a hell of a lot better than the film in my opinion. I do need that DVD in my life!

Record Of The Week 21

2nd September 2012 Walk The Moon - Anna Sun

I really like this song - and his dancing in the video is even better, only first heard it this week but with its poppy hooks and its pumped up choruses it's one that really sticks in your head.

Songs Of The Summer





So, it's the 1st September which means summer is practically over. It's not like we've had much of a summer though is it? no.
I've put together my favourite songs that have been released in summer 2012, I wouldn't say I have one song that completely transports me back to this summer. It's harder, today, to pinpoint one summer hit. 'Crazy', the debut from Gnarls Barkley, defined 2006. Other years suggest Beyonce's 'Crazy In Love' or Dizzee Rascal's 'Bonkers' for 2009. The years after are more difficult.
Will we ever have one particular 'Song Of The Summer' again?
With songs moving in and out of the chart so quickly nowadays a song doesn't stick around so much that people remember it, Carly Rae Jepson's 'Call Me Maybe' got to Number One and will be remembered, but not for good reasons.
Here are some of my favourites that i've been listening to this summer...

Rudimental ft. John Newman - Feel The Love
Anyone who has read my blog for months, knows how much I love this song! It got me through my exams and I still listen to it now to cheer myself up. Although I don't like any more of Rudimental's stuff - I would go to their gig just to hear this, and then probably leave.

The Vaccines - Teenage Icon
If this song showcases what 'The Vaccines Come Of Age' will sound like then they have definitely beaten the dreaded second album! I heard this song live at Radio 1's Hackney Weekend and although nobody really knew it, it was a three minute belter that launched a thousand beers into the air.

Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks
This was one of those songs for me that you heard on the radio a few times, weeks and weeks ago but never actually knew what it was called or who sung it! I love this so much and it really reminds me of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros' song 'Home' but just a lot better.
(Their album has just come out - I would definitely recomend it!)

Two Door Cinema Club - Sleep Alone
I just love them, I am probably slightly biased when I say everyone should love this band because I couldn't pick a bad sing out of their collection. The only reason I would dislike one of their songs would be because I have played it too much, but they well and truely deserve all the praise they get!

Alt J - Estocada/Something Good
I love Alt J, their album has becaome one that i've listened to the most over the summer. I definitely want to see Alt J sometime soon.

Lucy Rose - Lines
I have listened to this so much over the summer, especially when I was on holiday. It's quite ballady which I do like, I love a good calmingly slow song. It really shows off her wistful vocals, If you haven't already, definitely check out her other stuff!

Maximo Park - The Undercurrents
I have become even more obsessed with Maximo Park this summer because of their album release, as well as Alt J's, I have listened to 'The National Health' so so much. Bring on 6th November!

Porter Robinson - Language
I had heard of this song in about March because it was used as backing music to a radio show, It was always bugging me as to what it was called but ever since I found out I have listened to it all the time! I always used to think that I could only like a song if it had lyrics but this one shows you don't have too.

The Killers - Runaways
They're back and I saw their set at V Festival a few weeks ago and they sounded amazing! They're a propper band.

Dog Is Dead - Glochenspeil Song
I saw Dog Is Dead in May 2011 supporting another band at some small venue in Manchester and now the other band have split up, these guys are getting some recognition! I love this song sp much, it has a great summery vibe to it.

The Heartbreaks - Polly
This song hasn't officially been released yet I don't think but I bought their album when it first came out earlier in the year after reading about them in the M.E.N and it's ace! Polly is my favourite off the album and this could be the one to push them into the mainstream.

Jessie Ware - Wildest Moments
I never really thought much about Jessie Ware until I saw her in June at the Hackney Weekend and I realised how amazing she was, I love this song and I hope to get her album sometime soon!

Ellie Goulding ft. Tinie Tempah - Holding On
I've always loved Ellie Goulding's music but her voice sounds exceptional on this tune! I'm not sure if Tinie Tempah's rap ruins in slightly as her voice is so quaint then you get his harsh rapping about problems with indigestion which does spoil the atmosphere slightly but overall I think the song is incredible!

Newton Faulkner - Clouds
I thought that this new song was brilliant and I listen to it all the time as well as his new album 'Write It On Your Skin.' The unique sound of Newton’s voice is beautiful. The song has a catchy rhythm and with his easy laid back voice it sounds great.

Comment below your favourite Summer Songs or click 'Like' as it lets me know you like reading my posts and all that.

The Vaccines Get Reggae

Justin Young's vocal features on the track, 'If You Wanna' which was remixed and will feature on the debut album from The Shiptones, aka The Cribs' Chris Shipton. I think this is great, I love the remix!

Comment below your thoughts or 'Like'!

Ben Howard

We all just need to sit and appreciate this man for a minute.



Hoodie Allen - Feel The Love

I have been aware of Hoodie Allen for a while and I have specifically loved songs such as 'No Interuption' and 'You Are Not A Robot' which features the song by Marina and The Diamonds.
But I heard this one a couple of days ago and as it features my favourite song of the year so far by Rudimental and John Newman, I was obviously going to love it!

Gangnam Style.

I don't even, I can't think of anyway to describe this song.. and its video.
First of all he sounds like he's shouting 'condom style'...
What does Gangnam style even mean? is it like 'bajan style' that Cover Drive seem to know all about, and claim that Rihanna does too? I have no clue. It also has SO many views on YouTube, obvs because of it is incredible new musical talent - I can't even begin to describe his dancing.
WARNING - You will be scarred if you watch this video.

HAHAHAHAHA.

The Vaccines tour 2012!



Tickets for The Vaccines' November tour come out tomorrow! (But I got mine tonight cause i'm special - YES o2 Priority)
Plus they're doing a signing in Manchester on the 14th September for their album.

I CAN'T DEAL WITH THIS EXCITEMENT.

Green Day - Kill The DJ

I've loved Green Day for as long as I can remember and I think this new song is definitely a grower.

Record Of The Week 20

26th August Sia - Soon We'll Be Found

I've wanted to get this out there for quite a while now, well about 4 years. My dad has always been a massive fan of Sia (If you know the name it'll be from the David Guetta track 'Titanium' most probably) he saw her in 2008 and has played her songs around the house ever since. I thought i'd have this as my Record Of The Week as I heard that Aiden Grimshaw has covered her track 'Breathe Me' In my dad's words 'He should be deprived of food.' Bit harsh. Anyway, the original is always better.

This is definitely my favourite song from Sia!

V Festival 2012!

 

Emeli Sande on The Main Stage

I was lucky enough to get tickets to V Festival Chelmsford last weekend and I can honestly say I had the best time EVER. I saw so many acts that I have wanted to see for ages and they were all amazing! (I also blogged about my camping experience at V which you can see here)

We entered in the arena at around 11am so we had time to look around and get our bearings, I then realised how far the walk would be between each stage - my poor feet.



Ben Howard on the 4Music Stage

The first act we saw was The Inspiral Carpets, they were quite good but had a different singer to the past few years who didn't sound as good as the usual. I had to see Clint Boon though!

Also I saw Emeli Sande for the third time, and although the best I saw her was at Radio 1s Hackney Weekend and you can tell how big she has gotten since then! The crowd sang every word as her voice filled the Main Stage - the Olympic Ceremony has definitely been a massive platform for her!

Also on that day I saw Labrinth, Newton Faulkner, NGHFB, The Stone Roses and my favey Ben Howard! He was INCREDIBLE (I was one of those geeks who sing every word and annoy the people around them) I loved how through the whole set he was genuinely happy and looked like he couldn't believe how many people were there! I'm even more excited for his tour in November now!

NGHFB on the Main Stage

Newton Faulkner in The Arena Tent

The Stone Roses on the Main Stage

 

The Second day brought a load more amazing acts such as:

 

Stooshie - They were really good! I was shocked as their songs sound so much better live.

Olly Murs - I have seen this man so many times I couldn't tell you, he seemed so happy to be playing in his home town though!

Miles Kane - Honestly incredible, he got the whole crowd going singing along to songs such as 'Inhaler' and 'Come Closer' I would definitely want to see him again!

The Enemy - I don't get this band, they have a few good songs but theres just something about them I really don't like

Frank Turner - This was just a massive sing along which I always enjoy, would love to see him again!

Noah & The Whale - I was actually really disapointed when this gig had finished because they were just bland. When i've seen them on TV it looked great - maybe they were having a bad day.

The Killers - I loved The Killers before V, and now I am obsessed with them. Brandon Flowers you absolute God. That is all I have to say.

 

Miles Kane on the 4Music Stage





Frank Turner on the 4Music Stage

The Killers on the Main Stage

We also had this delighful sight on the way home of a load of cows going for a walk across a bridge. Why not.

Ibiza Music!



I got back from my holiday in Ibiza last week and whilst i'd been in Es Cana, two amazing gigs had been going on only a few miles away from where we were staying - and I didn't go to either of them.
In the two weeks that I was there Chase & Status and Paolo Nutini played at the Ibiza Rocks Hotel (It's basically a hotel in San Antonio which holds gigs poolside throughout the summer) It was a family holiday and although I have been to gigs with my dad before such as Arctic Monkeys and Noel Gallagher, he refered to the headliner as 'Jason Status' so it wouldn't have gone down too well! I did however rip a poster off the wall next to a Pacha shop in another town close to where we were staying to keep, I did also see a Radio 1 Ibiza Weekend one but they were all in bars and I don't think they'd appreciate me hacking at one of their walls.
Radio 1 did their annual three night gig there which included DJs playing such as Annie Mac and Pete Tong - it would have been incredible!