1/1001

Hello,
For Christmas I received the book '1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die' Edited by Robert Dimery.
For a music lover, this is a true delight. And I know I will spend a lot of time appreciating its content!
I am determined to make my way through this book, album by album and have decided to (hopefully) do a running commentary on this blog, looking at the albums starting from 1955 to present day, seeing which ones I like and which ones I'm not so keen on. I feel like its so easy to get stuck in a 'music rut', and I find a great deal of recent mainstream music to be very 'samey'. I've always had an appreciation for earlier era's such as the 70's (motown) and the 50's (Sinatra) so I'm hoping this book will help me discover other artists that I love along the way :)

So the first album to grace my ears is none other than..

Frank Sinatra - In the Wee Small Hours. (1955)

The album is full of expected Sinatra charm and has such a magical feel to it. For sure, its melancholy, and I can see it not being to everybody's taste. When I read that this was composed not long after his relationship with Ava Gardner had ended, I wasn't surprised.  I was very aware throughout listening to the album that there is a great deal of emotion portrayed. The songs evolve around the subject of love often with unrequited, heart-ache themes.
The main songs that most people (including myself to some extent) associate with Sinatra are more upbeat songs, Come Fly With Me to name but one. This album however, has shown a more deeper side to his music that I wasn't initially aware of. I enjoyed this album a great deal.

The two tracks I would certainly listen to again are 'Glad To Be Unhappy' and 'Dancing On The Ceiling' Both are truly magical to me, his voice and the music, its such a treat to listen to.


Next up - Elvis Presley

This Ship Will Carry Our Bodies Safe to Shore

I'm currently alternating between a few tracks, each pretty different but equally worthy! 

Since it's Summer, and I have a significantly smaller 'to do' list, I find myself sparing a large sum of my time trauling YouTube, which is sometimes tiresome when I cannot find the right song for my mood. But amongst the sighs and impatient clicking I managed to find some beauties, which then makes all that 'effort' (If you can really call it that) totally worthwhile.

I’ll stick to just 2 in this post, to avoid ‘skimping’ on any of them and post about the others within the next few days, all being well.

I'll start with the one I'm at this very minute listening to whilst I type this post, Of Monsters and Men - 'Little Talks'

The video is (albeit rather odd), pretty interesting. I love the make-up used in it, hello under-eye feathers.. watch this space.

I loved this song 3 seconds in, I have a totally weakness for accordions.. and the indie folk sound they have going on is like blossom in my ears! (that’s meant to be a good thing) The Icelandic band's debut album ‘My Head is an Animal’ is to be released in the UK August 27^th this year, pre-order I think so! I am genuinely pretty excited about hearing this album, although from this song I have pretty high expectations, I am sure I won't be disappointed! 

So, lets move to number 2, Jukebox The Ghost – Somebody. Another gem I became aquainted with via the lovely YouTube.

Jukebox The Ghost are a Brooklyn based 3 piece band, dibbed as ‘Rock’, I’d possibly suggest pop/rock?! But nonetheless their song ‘Somebody’ is a good’un. Its upbeat and the video includes people dancing on a pier, which makes me wish I could climb into my laptop screen and join the back of their rhymic line, with exaggerated head movements at the ready.

The song is taken from their most recent (and third) album ‘Safe Travels’ which was released April this year.

Here’s their website link - http://www.jukeboxtheghost.com/

Enjoy :) 

x

I Fell Heavy Into Your Arms

After hearing the Mumford and Sons world exclusive play of their new Album track 'I Will Wait' on BBC Radio 1, I knew I had to post about it.
And I have to say it didn't disappoint. Totally amazing track, and as with the majority of Mumford songs, I had goosebumps the whole way through.

There have been criticisms flying around Twitter that it sounds pretty similar to 'Nothing is Written' and after having another listen, I agree it's rather similar, but as Mumford played a lot (if not all) of their new tracks during gigs last year, their new album is all over Youtube. So I guess it'd be difficult for it not to have been heard. Maybe its a new take on Nothing is Written, so we heard it's working progress (unlike most releases) that's why it seems the same. I'll openly admit that Mumford's 'sound' is pretty similar throughout each songs, but I don't see this as a weakness, as I happen to love their distinct contemporary folk sound. The lyrics, in my opinion are what define the songs as separate stories/lessons being told.

As you probably already know, after reading previous posts, my love for Mumford is great. I have had some happy and testing times and their songs have been there with me the whole time. So their new album makes me giddy with excitement, roll on September 24th! (See their new album preview here)I will definitely be pre-ordering it and will do a full review once I have listened to it, although we all know it'll be pretty much a post on me raving about them!

So I leave you with the official audio of the new track 'I Will Wait'

ENJOY X

Sister of The Sun

I received a tweet last night from an American band named Pawns or Kings, they are contemporary folk, which, as you know is totally up my street. I went on their Facebook page and they have loads of free downloads which you can listen to and even download (hello new age), including a couple of Mumford covers, which are rather good! I had a listen whilst cleaning the house, although I realised mid-dust that this genre isn't the greatest accompaniment for activity, ha. I have yet to give them a 'second' listen which is usually when I become addicted, leading to a tenth and possibly greater amount of repeats!
They are from the US, so not sure if they'll be touring the UK for a while, lets hope they hit a few UK festivals in the years to come!
I also appreciate their beard growing, very 'folky'..

xx


Disclaimer - The photo was taken from their Facebook Page.

With Grace In Your Heart And Flowers In Your Hair

Whilst listening to After The Storm by Mumford and Sons, I was reminded of a time not so long ago when this song answered everything. I was somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, meandering between dozing and staring at the back of someone's chair when the song came on my Ipod, and something just clicked. I can't explain or describe my exact feeling, but I listened to the song repeatedly for about half an hour, absorbing the words as if advice from a friend. Suddenly, I felt like I understood my slight confused outlook on life at the time. I suddenly felt a sense of, understanding.
I now listen to the song and think of that time and how it totally changed me. I had listened to the song many times before, as an avid Mumford fan their music is something of a regularity on my playlist. But for some reason at that specific time the song meant more to me than it ever had, and it made me sit up and re-evaluate my life.
This little post is something I wanted to share, as I sit here listening to the song that made me stop and think, smiling to myself, remembering the event as if it was a meeting with a friend. This very story is why I love music, because it is my companion, my salvation. Whenever, wherever I may be, with whatever problem I may have, I know that somewhere, there will be a song that says everything I need to hear.
So, thank you Mumford & Sons, for making me see that after the storm, there is everything, and more.

xx

I Live In a Box of Paints

I came across this truly beautiful song by James Blake today, I've never really listened to James Blake all that much and I cannot understand why! I've heard Limit to Your Love a few times and I've always liked it but never thought of listening to any of his other songs.. But now I have, I am so glad. His music is so unique, his voice is like a musical instrument, (if that makes sense?!) as it just blends with the music effortlessly.

Anyways the song is called 'A Case of  You', which I believe is a cover of Joni Mitchell (a Canadian folk/rock artist). As I've already stated, the song is beyond stunning, his voice along with the lyrics is just perfection!

I'm currently listening to a few others of his, trying to find one that had caught me like this one has, I'll keep you posted! But for now, I feel I've praised this song enough, have a listen and let me know if you find it as beautiful as I do.

Hope your having a lovely week!

xx

But even the sun sets in paradise

Hey! So today I heard Maroon 5's new song 'Payphone' and I really like it, I'll admit I have a teensy crush on Adam Levine (tattoos and stubble = swoon) but they do also make some pretty good songs..
They haven't brought out a official vid for the song yet but there's always a lyric video on youtube, so I'll link that one below. As always I own nothing, I'm just sharing :)
The only part I'm unsure of with this song is Wiz Khalifa's rap, I think it kinda ruins the song. But, as a person who's not the biggest rap fan, maybe its just me!

And also as I'm on the 'Maroon 5' topic I thought I'd link another of their songs that I love. The video for this is pretty cool, plus he looks hot! Ha, although so does the girl in his bed, #sigh...
xx

5 Best Albums Of All Time

So, I thought I'd do a post on my 5 favourite albums of all time. These are the albums, that for me are completely timeless. There isn't one song within these albums that I dislike. Some are newer than others, obviously Ben Howard is the most recent addition to my 'Top 5', Sam's Town being the oldest. If I had to chose one album out of all, it'd have to be Sigh No More by Mumford, they are just the best band, I saw them live at Glastonbury a few years back and it was one of the most amazing moments of my life. The atmosphere was out of this world. That's the one thing I love about folk music, is that the songs really move people. I remember the whole crowd,(maybe 20,000?!) all singing along to 'Little Lion Man' at the tops of their voices. From that day on I have been totally obsessed with them.
The other albums however, are still pretty vital in my life!
What would be your 5 top albums?
xx

Has someone taken your faith?

1) Hello! I thought I'd post about my current obsession - Foo Fighters. Now it might seem like I'm a little slow on the uptake, but I'm not usually into rock music, I deem it as too 'angry' for me (yeah pansy, I know). But, the Foo Fighters turned up really loud is amazing. Theres a few of their songs that are a little too 'screamy' for me but the ones I'm loving are, 'These Days', 'Long Road To Ruin', 'The Best Of You' and 'The Pretender'. They are just the best for just going totally crazy to, good after a long/stressful day! Its really making me regret not buying a Leeds Festival ticket, I may have to ebay it!

2) Also, I've been making a 'workout playlist' of songs that will keep me motivated. I find dance tracks really work, and have been buying quite a lot of Pitbull (is that something you admit?!) The songs aren't really songs I'd listen to everyday but for some reason they seem to work really well when exercising!
So the here's the playlist:
- Sean Paul - Temperature
- Kanye West - Stronger (I'll admit this is a tune)
- Pitbull ft Ne Yo - Give Me Everything
- Enrique ft Pitbull - I Like It
- Martin Soveig - Hello
- Usher - More
- David Guetta ft Snoop Dogg - Sweat (cringe)
Hopefully this will get bigger as I discover more songs!

Anyways, if there's any songs that you really like to workout to, let me know!

xx

I Try To Keep My Balance, But I Just Fall

Quick post about a song I have to talk about. Firstly Romeo ft Usher - 'Promise', this is a bizarre song choice for me but I am obsessed with it as it was the song I heard whilst on holiday. Its Spanish as I went to the Dominican Republic and its a bit 'urban' but it reminds me of being on the bar by the beach and makes me feel warm inside! So I thought I'd share this tune with you! I watched alot of 'HTV' whilst away when getting ready and things, its basically a Spanish MTV if you haven't heard of it, as I hadn't before going. I heard so many Spanish songs but this one is definitely the best one I heard. A;lthough I know it's half English, so really its not all that different but still give it a listen and see if you like it :) I always find it interesting too see what sort of music/artists are popular in different countries. For example, Indochine is a French band that I discovered when I studied French few years back, and they have stuck with me every since. Anyways, short (ish) post, be blogging more soon xx

Hello, Is it me your looking for?

So, I'm back from my lovely holiday and I feel fresh as a daisy and ready to get on with blogging again! (yayy) I couldn't get internet over there without paying a huge amount so I had to do without all that's electronic for 2 weeks, which was surprisingly nice. Although the first few days I felt a little lost without my blackberry but I got used to it! Almost like a technology detox! I did have my Ipod though, there is absolutely no way that I could live without it on holiday! I had tried to download lots of music beforehand so that I had enough to keep me entertained but if I'm honest it felt like there was something missing and I just can't put my finger on it. So I'm currently on the hunt for the missing puzzle piece in my ever growing music collection. I tend to prefer more peaceful music rather than loud rock type tunes, so I adored the Cinematic Orchestra's - To Build a Home' its such a beautiful song and completely one of my favourites. Bon Iver  and Fleet Foxes were 'biggies' whilst away, perfect for sunbathing. If anyone has any suggestions of chilled out bands that would be amazing :) If I manage to find some, I'll be right there will a blog post! I will find this! Every now and then I do enjoy a good rock tune though, my current love is Foo Fighters - These Days, its a shouting-along-to-whilst-jumping-around-the-bedroom type song. So good if your having a hate the world day or just if you feel like being a bit crazy for a few minutes, totally recommend it.
xx

Even If The Skies Get Rough

I am obsessing over Jason Mraz's new song, 'I Won't Give Up', its been on repeat all day. Plus I'm a sucker for background choirs..ha. I haven't heard much from his recently, but his new album comes out this Spring and I've been listening to a few on YouTube and I must say I can't wait to buy it! Such good easy listening/feel good songs! Here's his new video and song, hope you like it!
xx
PS- Is it just me or does he look really different?! Think its the mane of hair..

And now, its time to leave and turn to dust.

The Cinematic Orchestra, I first heard them at the Burberry show the other week. I absolutely loved the show, it was my favourite of LFW by far and I think the music really added to it. Just so beautiful. I posted about it on my other blog The Cardigan Club :)
The song I like the most is 'How to Build A Home', its just really quiet and peaceful which I like. Good to accompany a good old think which I've been doing a lot of recently!
So hope that you like it!
xx

In the towers of your honeycomb

Here's to my third 'New Music Monday' post, I was about to go to sleep when I realised that I hadn't posted and I had to get my laptop out and post, totally dedicated..
Its literally within the hour that I saw this video, therefore its extremely new to me, and judging by the highly low youtube viewings, I'm guessing its new to lots of people too!
Bon Iver's new music video for 'Towers'. I have to say their previous music video for 'Holocene' (seen here) is amazing, I love how its set in the mountains and the young boy (who is so so adorable) is roaming around by himself and playing games. The innocence of it makes the song so chilling and gives greater meaning to the lyrics. I think it proposes several questions for example, 'And at once I knew I was not magnificent' - As the boy is so small in comparison to the vast mountains, could it be saying each person is nothing special when compared with the entirety of life? This is reiterated with the lyrics, 'And I can see for miles, miles miles' again highlighting how small we are in the great scheme of things. Well that's my opinion anyways, regardless of my meaningful rambling, the video and the song is purely beautiful. Bon Iver is one of my favourite bands, its safe to say I don't think there's one of their songs that I dislike.
Back to 'Towers', this is one of my favourite songs on the album so seeing that there was a video made me have to watch it straight away. Its similar to Holocene as it focuses on one person (this time an old man with a santa like beard) and him driving to the sea where he rows out to some strange wooden structure and then floats in the water. From my reading up on the song, its seems Justin Vernon has said its about drinking and losing virginity in halls but the songs seem pretty dark for it to be purely about that I feel, however its only a personal interpretation! I think if thats the case (virginity/drink theme) then maybe the older man in the video is contemplating on his former life, thinking back to his love (presumably now he is alone) and this could explain the sad feel in the song.Anyways I've tried to not ramble so much, whether I've succeeded in this is another story! The video link is as seen below, hope you like it and feel free to share your thoughts :) xx

 

You're the wax in my moustache, The keys to my car

'You're the fastest of the fish

You're the prickliest pear

You're a chameleon in the night

You're the sahara's sun glare'

I've been aware of King Charles' music for over a year now, but recently I've started listening to him again and discovered the older songs I loved and found new ones that are even better. I love his originality not just in his music, but in his image too and that's what really drew me to him in the first place. His music is described as 'glam rock', its definitely not like anything I've really heard before, take his song ivory road its so original and funny too. (little of the lyrics above) Love Lust was the first song I listened to of his, which is so catchy! Plus he does look rather handsome in the video... a 21st century Shakespeare perhaps?
Anyways, check him out and let me know what you think!
Here are a few of his newer ones:
Mississippi Isabel
LoveBlood
Bam Bam
xx

The King And All His Men

So I go on holiday in around 4 weeks, why am I acting cool, 4 weeks Wednesday and I am totally counting!! But, in order to enjoy my holiday to the maximum I have to have an updated Ipod full of a vast variety of genres and tempo's to fulfil my every mood. I have written lists of songs I would like to download and so far I have managed to get lots of random songs through youtube trawls but not an album or set of songs from a particular artist. So i've written a list of Artists that I would like to download a greater amount of songs from. These include - Bombay Bicycle Club, Oasis, Two Door Cinema Club, Ed Sheeran, Maverick Sabre.

Now, this sudden need for alot of effort involving songs/downloading is also due to my terrible neglect of my ipod recently as I've mainly listened to music and the laptop as I've been home alot. But on Saturday I was in the car (not driving may I add) and thought I'd have a listen and I rekindled my love for it. I think there's nothing nicer than watching the world wizz by you whilst listening to your favourite songs, such a good company to my thoughts.
So this leads me to my second 'New Music Monday' post, now this song may not be 'new' to everyone but I have only recently discovered them, so they are indeed new to me. They are Wolf Gang, I found them through Burberry acoustic and have been listening to several of their songs since and really like them.
The King And All His Men
Really like this video, I always like it when music videos are shot in the outdoors, not entirely sure as to why but I do :) I like the girl in the video's style too. Looked into the song a little as was curious as to whether the video had significance to the lyrics, it seems that the girl is running due to possibly being hurt before and he is trying to make it work/prove her that their relationship won't be the same, however as the lyrics say she is in control and the ending of the video where he walks away suggests that he's given up trying to chase her. So there we are, hope you like it!
ooh, and I also recommend:
Lions In Cages
Back to Back

xx

Burberry Acoustic

On my usual YouTube trawl, I came across Burberry Acoustic and totally fell in love. The songs are just amazing and I wish I'd found them sooner. There's around 35 songs in total and they are as you've probably guessed of an acoustic arrangement. :)
Each video is filmed very similar and they are all suited and booted Burberry style, oh so cool. Wolf Gang with the wayfarer's did make my heart skip.. I love the way they are filmed, each in a different location which is personal to the band/singer (also another thing I love as it gives the songs a really intimate feel)
My personal faves are Misty Miller's 'Remember' - she is absolutely adorable and her song is so girly with her little ukulele, I just cannot get enough! Also love One Night Only's 'Chemistry' - plus they are up north and I've met him once but yes I was the one that the photographer cut out of the photo... Not happy, although at least my arm managed to participate..
Pegasus Bridge, Bobby Long and Wolf Gang are but a few other gems. I love how suddenly from finding this its lead me to so many bands I'd never even heard of that are just so good. Such a satisfying feeling when you find so many new songs, all going straight to the Ipod!
I'll link the videos below so you can check them out for yourself. Let me know what you think, see if you love them as much as I do! :)
xx
Misty Miller
One Night Only
Pegasus Bridge
Bobby Long
Wolf Gang

Somebody That I Used to Know

So, I'd like to start with my first 'New Music Mondays' post. I've been recently introduced to Gotye, there most recent song, and current No 1 in radio 1 charts, 'Somebody That I Used to Know'. They have a kind of 80's feel and I really like how the song starts slow and gradually gets more intense. A definite 'chill out' tune. As I liked their first song so much and heard great reports of their album I've been checking out a few other of their tracks, loving 'Eyes Wide Open' and 'Save Me'. I agree that they are the type of band that at first listen they seem a little average but then as the listening increases so does the love for the songs. I like the addition of Kimbra in Somebody That I Used to Know and think I'll have to check her out! Here are some links to Gotye's music on YouTube, I do not own any of the videos/music, I am just simply sharing the link as to where to find them :) Hope you like them and let me know your thoughts on them, it would be lovely to hear what you think.
xx

Somebody That I Used to Know
Eyes Wide Open
Save Me

Ps - Loving the kookiness of the Somebody video. Always love to watch a songs video, think it gives an extra depth to a song. I feel I should apologise for being such a nerd about everything... haha. Sure you'll get used to it ;)