Last YouTube Video Of The Week! Of 2013

Happy New Years Eve to everybody. The track I have chosen is The Shins - Turn A Square. I went shopping for the boxing day sales and picked up this Shins album among others not knowing very much about them apart from the link with Broken Bells but I am glad I made this album choice. The track below is one of my favourites from the album. I have already ordered more of their albums to hear more great music. Check it outtt!:

YouTube Video Of The Week! 24/12/13

So it is Christmas eve and I have decided to include a Christmassy track in this weeks post. 

My first video is The Julie Ruin with Oh Come On. I heard about this band randomly pretty recently and it has opened me up to a bunch of bands from the riot grrrl scene that I want to listen to more music of. This track I really think has a powerfulness that hopefully I find in more of the tracks from this genre.

My Christmas pick is Run-DMC. I heard this track on BBC 6 Music and it was the first time I heard a good hip hop Christmas tune. It sounds really of that era but I love the rhythms and cheesy video storyline, everything you would want for a Christmas song.

This is the last post from me before Christmas, and I will still be posting on my tumblr here: www.ruvensivyer.tumblr.com so Happy Holidays everybody!

D.O.T.F.

This Design Of The Fortnight coincides with the starting of my associated Tumblr blog. If you click on the link below you will be sent to the Musicopedia Picture page. It will have photos of the D.O.T.F. plus general images that I think are cool and or inspiring.

So I have chosen the guitar Teye La India E Series. I love pretty much everything about this design. The colours used and the details around the edge of the guitar etc. The biggest thing I like is the tattooesque detail on the front face and the head of the guitar. It gives the guitar a classic and old school vibe which I am really diggin'. When I earn enough to spend 4 grand on a guitar, this will be one of the first on my list.

Musicopedia Picture Dept

YouTube Video Of The Week! 17/12/13

This week I have gone with a vaguely winter sounding video. It is a track called It Gets Cold by the band Eliza And The Bear. I saw them live when they supported Paramore on their recent tour but I haven't heard anything from them until this video came up on my YouTube feed. It is quite a happy song with a nice drum beat and smooth little piano melody. A catchy tune for the cold season.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 10/12/13

This week I have chosen another Yuck track. It is another release from their latest album. I think it has a 90's feel to it but maybe that's just me. Anyway, enjoy!

D.O.T.F.

This week has been incredibly stressful with university deadlines and what seems like a lot of work to do. I have managed to squeeze time to write this in the midst of job tasks. So this fortnights designs I have chosen two album covers of two artists that are really hot right now. One being Courtney Barnett and the other is Swearin'. I really like the cartoon style that links these two together.

 

I like the look that it could be a bad tattoo just with the random little symbols dotted around and dots and crosses to fill in the gaps.

This is obviously a sketch of a famous pice of art by Katsushika Hokusai. It has what I assume to be added peas rolling in the waves. Again it has a very sketchy look to it with just a touch of tone to give the wave depth.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 03/12/13

So December is upon us and Christmas seems to be getting closer and closer. I so far only have 1 set of presents sorted but time is on my side so no worries. So this week my choice, as much as its a leap from my normal style, the male soul hook throughout the song has been hooked into my brain and I seem to keep coming back to this song. Yes that's right it is Kanye West - Bound 2. And yes I know it's raunchy to all hell and badly green screened but that aside I really enjoy this track and I think Kanye is best in his more light hearted songs. I don't know exactly but I just think his voice better fits this kind of track. I know you have probably seen this already or if you haven't, give it a listen and love the vocals from R&B singer Charlie Wilson.

Guitar Making/Luthier Skills

Yesterday I went to see Rik Middleton a local guitar maker from Coventry. I'm currently learning about the process of guitar making and yesterday was a great experience. I learnt about different processes, materials and their sources, equipment/machinery that is needed for the job and lots more. In the afternoon of the day he also showed me how to bend the wood for the sides of the guitar. This process was always something I was interested in learning about and I'm glad I now know how it works. 

Also, visiting Rik has really inspired me to create guitar models on CAD and start building up my workshop equipment so that when I have my own workshop space I will have all the equipment I need to start building and making.

He has also made a book about making a guitar that is available on Amazon and I for sure will be picking up a copy for myself. I look forward to visiting him again next week and learning even more things.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 26/11/13

Right now I am really getting into bands like Pond and Yuck and that is why this week I have chosen a Yuck track (Middle Sea). This video, they have posted straight onto their YouTube account. Great psychedelic guitar sound that I have recently grown to love and proper lose myself in the sound of it all, not to sound like a pretentious nob haha. I think this live version of the track is amazing and really shows off the talent of the band. I imagine these guys along with Pond etc will be great bands to see live and I am just waiting for that chance. Absolute cracker!

Design Of The Fortnight D.O.T.F.

This time around I have decided to talk about a location. The place in particular is The Institute in Birmingham. More specifically, The Library which is the smaller of the two main rooms. I have been to this venue several times and as I think I have stated in the past, it is my favourite place to see bands/artists. The last artist I saw there was Nina Nesbitt (picture below). As you can see I had a terrific view and even though I was on the balcony which is right at the back of the room my view and the sound quality was superb. The layout also is well planned out which I guess is pretty much assumed, with the two bars set either side of the stage and on the main balcony and just below it is room for a merchandise stand still with plenty of room all around for the crowds. Lastly, the style of the venue as a whole is really cool. They keep aspects of the classic look from the outside face of the building but with added modern features where you would want them. Great venue, if you are close to Birmingham go listen to some music and see some great design. 

YouTube Video Of The Week! 19/11/13

This week has been a bit of a tough one for deciding which video to choose. I have watched lots of different songs and different styles but none in particular have jumped out at me.

I then remembered about a singer I saw supporting KT Tunstall at her recent Symphony Hall performance. The man himself is Billy Lockett and the song is Pathways. A nice acoustic number that definately got me excited for the main act. This track is the best one from him that I have heard so far. Play that song!

YouTube Video Of The Week! 12/11/13

Well late last week I found out that Tribes are splitting up. I have really enjoyed the bands two albums and will miss the music they produce. So in a tribute my video of the week is How The Other Half Live from the bands second album. Great song with a catchy guitar hook and killer lyrics.

 

Design Of The Fortnight D.O.T.F.

This fortnight I would like to talk about a certain poster design team I have stumbled upon whilst browsing the web. They are called Horse and they are a team that are based in Liverpool. They focus on creating imagery for music that inspires and drives them. They have created many gig posters and album covers. For more info, click this link: http://www.youresomehorse.com/ 

After checking out a lot of their work there doesn't seem to be anything I don't like but I have chosen the style I like the most. It is simple, only using a few colours and I think that is the most effective kind of gig poster in my eyes. When I get a place of my own I am for sure going to have some of these on the wall.

          

YouTube Video Of The Week! 04/11/13

This weeks choice was a close call between two videos but I have decided to go with Radiator Hospital. It is from a live session from Maggot House Records.This is for sure another song that you can really hear the emotion he is putting into the lyrics and that is only one of the points why I love this song. Great guitar playing and his overall style to me really has hints of The Tallest Man On Earth, so if you like this guy check out him. He also has another song on YouTube from the same live session. Give it a look.

Halloween YouTube Video! 2013

Happy Halloween!

To celebrate, here is a video from Bleached with the track Love Spells. It is off their brilliant album Ride Your Heart. This video has everything you could want for a great scary night: walking dead cheerleaders, vampires, mummies and hot gothic chicks. Sorted!

 Love the twangy/summery guitars on this song, it goes with the vocals nicely and it is part of a great album. If you don't have it yet where have you been? Go get it.

Pussy Riot - A Punk Prayer!

I wasn't planning on blogging today but I have just watched Pussy Riot - A Punk Prayer and it has really inspired me to promote their cause even in the small way that I can. I have heard about it vaguely in the news, media and in magazines but up until watching this documentary I didn't really understand what they were fighting for or more specifically what they were fighting against. I am now up to date with most of the activities from this group but am still learning more. I am also interested in promoting their cause even further and I am really behind what their fighting for. I may be a little bit behind the wave that is the media storm but with two original members still in prison for just under a year and still things to fight for, any time is a good time to raise awareness and make a change. Do it!

YouTube Video Of The Week! 29/10/13

This week I have decided to post a couple of videos just because I have had a hard time deciding which video is better and figured why not just do them both. My first one is Los Campesinos! with a track called Avocado Baby. This is the first I have heard of them since their album We Are Beautiful, We Are Doomed and I really think they have came back very strong. They still have that unique vocals that I remember but they have got a more rock guitar sound which I love. Super catchy and you don't get bored with the rhythm, it stays pumped and driving the whole way through. More of the same please :)

My second video is from an artist called Courtney Barnett. I don't really know a great deal about this Melbourne artist except she makes beautiful songs with simple and yet meaningful lyrics. I found out about her in the latest issue of Q magazine, my favourite music monthly. I really enjoy hearing her accent so clearly in her songs and something about her song writing really makes me sit up and take notice of the words she sings. Definitely hoping for her to produce more great songs like this one.

New Design Of the Fortnight Feature (D.O.T.F.)

I have recently had a new idea for a fortnightly feature. Basically on Thursday every 2 weeks I will post a Design Of The Fortnight. It maybe graphic design such as gig posters or album covers. It could also include particular guitar designs I am currently diggin' or pretty much anything musically themed that has been designed. It should be a good little Feature.

For this week I would like to feature a couple of guitars from one of my favourite guitar brands, Gretsch.

The first guitar is a signature model for Patrick Stump from Fallout Boy. I like the relatively simple design and just a couple of stripes for a decal on the front face gives an impression of creating a square shape without having to draw all the lines. I also thought it was interesting seeing it had 3 pick ups. I learnt a bit more about it from watching the video Patrick did on the Gretsch YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rWOWXEhfG8) It was pretty interesting for me, especially because I love a bit of FOB.

And from the brand new to the very old. In fact this model below is from 1954. It is called the Gretsch Electro II, one of the first guitars Gretsch produced. From the get go you can tell they had style and a kind of look/presence that they have included throughout the years.I would hope the guitars that I produce eventually have this much style or anywhere even close.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 22/10/13

Last night I went to see Nina Nesbitt live. I watched her at what is fast becoming my favourite venue to see artists, The Library in The Institute Birmingham, perfect size not too big not too crammed in. And that is where I heard Olivia Sebastianelli. She was second support out of 3 and in my opinion, the best. Live I really like her voice, it's got that gravely/raspy sound that you can't really hear on the YouTube tracks but you can still tell she is a talented singer with a beautiful voice. If there is ever a chance I would recommend seeing her live. I have chosen a cover of a Biffy track, it's the closet to hearing that vocal sound. Enjoy!

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

So the 2014 nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has been announced. They are:

-Kiss

-Nirvana

-The Zombies

-Yes

-Deep Purple

-Linda Ronstadt

-Peter Gabriel

-Cat Stevens

-Hall & Oates

-The Meters

-The Paul Butterfield Blues Band

-LL Cool J

-Link Wray

-Chic

-N.W.A.

-The Replacements

Well this is the first time I have actually paid attention to who the nominees are for the Hall of Fame. Its never really been that widely announced in England. First off, I wasn't sure how much rap/hip hop music is in the Rock accepted Hall of Fame but I definitely think N.W.A. should be included in my opinion, by their influence on other artists alone. I don't feel so strongly about LL Cool J . On the rock side of things I honestly think the likes of Hall & Oates and Kiss should be accepted and I expected Nirvana to already be included seeing that in my opinion they have done so much and made such an impact in the small time they were around. I have heard bits here and there about the other artists but in my perhaps naivete I don't think they have done enough to deserve a place in the Hall of Fame.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 15/10/13

This weeks choice has definitely got the late summer sound to it which is perfect timing. Its from a band called The Creases which I found out about again through the NME Radar section. One thing I like is the main guitar riff. It has a slight surfer guitar twang and coupled with the lyrics it makes for a great song. So far this is the only song on their YouTube account but seeing as its only been two weeks since this upload hopefully they will post more stuff soon.

I am trying to post more different blog posts but I'm slightly struggling on time whilst at uni but I will try harder.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 08/10/13

This weeks track is from a band called Catfish and the Bottlemen. I found out about this artist through the NME Radar feature. I have listened to all 4 videos they have posted on their YouTube account and this video is the most entertaining, featuring a love story about a sperm that is trying to get to the egg. No spoilers but it does end in a lightsaber fight against a rival sperm. As for the music, it is the kind of music I love. I could literally listen to this kind of music for days on end and never get bored. Catchy, good guitar playing and decent lyrics and I imagine they would be great live.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 01/10/13

So it's the start of October and I'm back at uni for the second year of my product design course. Lots of work is expected to come and also experimenting with clay which should be fun stuff. Anyway as you know last week I went to see Paramore and this week my video is from said band Paramore. A track called In The Mourning. I never heard it before I saw it performed live and now I'm in love it. A nice slowish song with what I hear to be a country music kind of sound. I have been listening to this song on repeat since last week, such a beautiful song. Enjoy!

All Settled In + Paramore

I have been busy recently moving in to my university place and in some ways it has been easy but there has been a few annoying points but now that I have been here for a few days I have got into the swing of things and all is comfortable. I have also been to a gig last night as you can probably tell by the title. Yes that's right I went to see Paramore at the LG Arena in Birmingham. This is the second time having seen them, the first being in 2008. This show was really brilliant and they put on a great performance but in my opinion I preferred watching them in the smaller venue, The Carling Academy I think it was. I just like that closeness you get with the band that you tend to lose in the larger arenas.

I'm glad the band mostly played songs from the new album and only a few of the big hits from previous albums because I have listened to the latest CD a lot more than the older ones. One of my favourite tracks I heard was Last Hope, it really was a great sing along moment for most of the crowd and myself. I also enjoyed seeing Hayley picking a fan from the crowd to help sing Misery Business. For me this kind of audience interaction really shows the band as more human in a way.

Supporting Paramore were Charlie XCX and Eliza The Bear. I didn't particularly enjoy Charlie except for her big hit I Love It. I just think that kind of music is not for me and I don't think I would choose to listen to her further. As for Eliza The Bear, I had listened to a couple of their tracks beforehand and quite liked it. It was slightly generic indie rock to me but I still thought it was good and maybe worth a second listen.

Overall it was a great night and I would happily see them again especially if they keep producing music like they are.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 24/09/13

This week I have chosen one of Avril Lavignes new songs called Here's To Never Growing Up. It has the classic sound of an Avril track with all the catchy lyrics and pop tunes. What she sings about seems relevant to her major success at a young age but for me she has always made songs that I enjoy listening to throughout her career. This song and her other release from the up and coming album has solidified my pre-order of it. Both songs I have liked and expect more of the same kind of quality with the rest of the tracks. Give it a listen!

YouTube Video Of The Week! 17/09/13

My choice for video is The New Seekers - I'd like To Teach The World To Sing. I know it is heavily linked with the Coke ad and I think that is part of it's charm. It very catchy and filled with hooks that'll keep you singing it all day. Also the lyrics are all about world peace and you can't hate world peace without sounding like a prick. Definitely one of my favourite songs for a commercial even though it was before my time.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 10/09/13

This week I have chosen a different kind of video. Not a music video like most of my choices but a fun video featuring The Arctic Monkeys. It's release seems to coincide with the release of their latest album. It is from Pitchfork TV and the band basically have to decide if a varied list of items/things are over rated or under rated. Its a light hearted bit of fun and one of my favourite things Pitchfork TV produce on YouTube.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 03/09/13

This week the video has been a really easy choice for me. I found out about the song whilst listening to a WNYC Soundcheck podcast. The particular episode, they were featuring an artist called Brett Dennen and I had had it playing in the background whilst I was playing some game or something, I don't really remember but my ears perked up when this track came on. It is super catchy and it has a real sing along chorus. I also agree with the host in its 60's style. The video just has the audio from the track but with a song this good that is all you need.

Reading Festival 2013!

So this last weekend I went to Reading Festival for the first time and it was my first festival of that large scale and also the first one where I camped over on site. I had a brilliant time and I do think it was worth the money that I spent on it. Next time I go to a festival though I will definitely know things that I would do differently like tent location, and what kind of food to bring is very important to me. I would also plan my sleeping schedule better, i.e. not waking up so early and in doing so, staying up later and enjoying more of the camp fires and general fun. I was also really nervous about leaving my tent unattended after hearing all the bad stories on the on line forums about people slashing tents and robbing the contents but after the first night and day I calmed down a bit but still carried the essentials with my in my backpack at all times. Next year I would like to go to a different probably smaller festival just because I want to experience all the different styles and venues before saying which one I like the most. I figured I should tell you what I got up to so here goes.

On the Friday bands that I saw the whole set of were:

Findlay - I was really looking forward to seeing these guys after watching a couple of their videos on YouTube and really digged their female fronted sound.

Kodaline - I heard a lot of hype around this band and everyone seemed to be saying great things but I didn't really know what to expect but I liked what I ended up hearing and really want to hear more of their stuff.

Night Engine - I saw this band whilst waiting for another act, they were all right but nothing too special in my eyes.

Half Moon Run - I liked these guys before going and they put on a good performance. I would see them live again for sure.

Parquet Courts - I have these guys début album and their songs really worked live. They got everybody jumping and having a good time. Again I would like to see these guys at a gig of their own.

Kate Nash - She really brought her energy with her for her set. Her songs are super catchy and really worked the crowd great and even got amongst it. 

The Strypes - The set they did, for me was really one of the best of the day. They all are a bunch of show men and I'm a real fan of that kind of music. Can't wait for their CD to come out.

Frank Turner - He was a perfect act for the afternoon sun. I sang along to practically every song. Great voice and personality despite back problems.

Bring Me The Horizon - I didn't plan on seeing these guys and really wish I didn't. It really wasn't my kind of music, way too much screaming and telling people to kill themselves for me.

Green Day - My other favourite for the day (perhaps obviously) they played loads of great songs and even though I was fairly far back I felt like I was part of the front crowd and felt a real connection with the band.

partial sets from:

Temples - Only heard a few songs from these boys, from what I heard they were all right. Considering giving them another listen soon.

MMX - So-so band, I wasn't terribly impressed by them and I don't think I will listen to them again.

On Saturday I saw the full set of:

Eminem - Initially I wasn't planning on seeing Eminem but after chatting with people around my camp site I figured I probably wont really see him again and he is a bit of a legend compared to the other head liners that were on on Saturday. He turned out to be pretty good and I was glad I saw him in the end.

Johnny Marr - I didn't really know what to expect from this guy but again I was surprised and I really enjoyed listening to his music. He is a real talent.

Darwin Deez - He really was a bit of fun. I liked his synchronised dancing with his band mates at intervals between the songs and he really got the crowd dancing with Radar Detector.

Foals - I was a bit disappointed with Foals tbh. I was expecting a really pumped up show but to me it all sounded a bit boring and just all on one sort of flat level. Maybe it was my location in the crowd or something but I didn't really enjoy these guys anywhere near the amount I thought I would.

Palma Violets - I really loved these guys. Great energy and great songs that kept me singing along throughout the set.

Theme Park - I was expecting a pretty standard indie band but I got a way more dancy discoy kind of music which was a surprise but I did end up loving it.

Lucy Rose - This was the second time I have seen her at a festival and she put on a good show again.

Swim Deep - I did like the music they played but they didn't really do anything standout for me.

Childhood - They were pleasant enough but I was not overly fussed with their music.

Drenge - I heard a lot of good things about this 2 piece but the music turned out to be not for me. It was a bit too heavy and like grungy for my liking.

I caught a bit of Tim Burgess who I liked despite not hearing any of his stuff before the show. He was more poppy than I was expecting him to be.

Finally on the Sunday I saw 

Fall Out Boy - These guys were really my headliners of the main stage. Every song they did killed it and for me they can do no wrong.

Editors - I had sort of forgotten how good the Editors songs were until this set. They really made me get back into them and rekindle my love for them.

We Are The In Crowd - I had seen them once before in Birmingham and their kind of Pop Punk really is my style and I enjoyed their set.

Haim - I was looking forward to seeing these girls, they didn't disappoint and it has made me crave their début CD even more.

Tribes - I had their latest album and loved it. They had a great set and I would want to see them live again after that performance.

Dinosaur Pile Up - These guys were the first act of the day that I saw. Good rock music and I also got a free pin badge so I cant complain.

and a bit of

Azelia Banks - Not really my jam but I did sing along with 212 but that's about the best I could say.

Villagers - From what I saw they were pretty good guitarists and singers but I'm not sure how much I'm going to listen to them again.

The Jim Jones Revue - I wanted to watch the whole set but due to unforeseen circumstances I had to leave for the middle section. From what I heard of them, great classic old rock and roll music. Need to get one or more of their Cd's.

Pure Love - A bit too harsh for my delicate ears but the odd song wasn't too bad :)

I had a great time with the ups and downs and below is a selection of pictures from over the weekend.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 27/08/13

After coming back from Reading Festival yesterday I feel its only right for my choice to be a song from the weekend and I have chosen Frank Turner who performed on the Friday. He was one of my favourite artists of the day and even performing with great energy despite his back problems really made the slightly miserable weather seem not so bad. Thank you Frank for bringing everyone together :) 

YouTube Video Of The Week! 20/08/13

This week my choice for the best video is the latest track from MGMT called Your Life Is A Lie. I heard about it in this weeks NME, thanks! The song is a super catchy track from their upcoming self titled third album. It is quite short and punchy clocking in at just over two minutes long with easily learnt lyrics. It does seem that they have changed into a more poppier sound compared to their second album which isn't a problem for me, I have liked pretty much everything MGMT have released on the whole. As for the video its self its pretty freakin' odd, jumping from one random thing to another with only certain clips fitting in with the music. My favourite part somewhat cruley is the old guy getting hit in the face with a ball in time with what I assume is a cow bell, I dunno why, just seems funny. Anyway I'm loving this track right now, and I know the embedded video doesn't work but it will take you straight to it on YouTube.

Catfish The TV show!

I have powered through most of the first season of Catfish the TV show on MTV since seeing the movie and loving it. It really wasn't what I expected. I was thinking it was gonna be like a drama show along the same kind of style as Dexter just without all the murder, but yea a fictional, gritty and dark show like that would be really good but it turned out to be a reality show with the kind of format that has been used on plenty of different shows in the past. Even though it wasn't what I expected, I do enjoy the show and would recommend it to anybody.. 

And thanks to the playlist MTV play alongside the show, I'm currently liking The Barr Brothers (below) after being played Beggar In The Morning on one of the episodes. More channels should showcase what songs are being played during a show. It could help bands to be discovered easier.

Katy Perry & Catfish

Over the past couple of days I have watched the Katy Perry movie Part Of Me and the movie Catfish.

Part Of Me I found semi-interesting. It really showed how much time she is on tour and performing. She really puts her all into her shows and making sure her fans have a good time, but it really is at a detriment to her health and mental well being, you have to have those breaks. The movie logged her touring schedule over the California Dreams tour and it also includes the relationship and breakup between her and Russell Brand. The amount of information you find out about her life present day isn't really a great deal but I was interested to learn about her rise to stardom and in particular her time as a Christian rock musician, also her time struggling to be herself when everyone wanted her to be someone else. I definitely think its one for the fans and I wouldn't waste that time again personally but if the information next time was more personal I would probably enjoy it more.

Catfish was recommended to me by my step mom. Going into it I didn't really know what the movie was about but I was soon lead to believe it was about a young artists rise to fame but boy did that opinion change. After the main person got more involved with the said young girl and her family across Facebook and by phone he got into a relationship with her older sister called Megan. After some time passed the main guy and a couple of his friends decide to visit Megan and her family in person. I won't spoil it for you or anything but if you like really good, interesting modern documentary type things you should watch it. There is also a television show with the same name that I am gonna start watching, hopefully it is as good as the movie.

Currently I am watching The 1975 perform at Lowlands Live festival via YouTube live streaming service. You gotta love YouTube always pushing into new ground.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 13/08/13

My video of the week this week is Holly Williams - Drinkin'. 

Basically as I returned from my holiday in Cornwall I had a small selection of CDs waiting for me to listen to from a selection of different countryish singers, one being said Holly Williams. I bough only her latest album after browsing around for new artists just to get a taster of what she is like, not really knowing who her father or relatives were or anything like that until later on. I have only listened to the album once or twice but I'm really diggin' her voice and guitar playing and I'm also really really diggin' country music scene at the moment, especially bands fronted with a female vocals, very soulful. 

YouTube Video Of The Week! 06/08/13

This weeks video is a Kings Of Leon track from their forthcoming album called Mechanical Bull. I prefer this song over the previously released track from the album: Supersoaker. I like the more mellow sounding Kings Of Leon songs over the energetic Supersoaker. I'm interested to see if their new album will be along the same kind of lines as Come Around Sundown, which by the sounds of it that does seem to be the case, or if there will be any songs on the album that are going somewhere new and a bit different. So far I'm happy with their releases, fingers crossed for a decent CD.

Back And Forth - Foo Fighters

Just finished watching the movie Back and Forth. Its a movie primarily about the Foo Fighters life up until and including the making of Wasting Light. At the start of the movie there is some history about Nirvana and how Dave Grohl brought Pat Smear from Nirvana to play for the Foo Fighters. I found it interesting how many different versions of the band there has been over the years. There has been a range of different rhythm guitarists and a couple of different drummers, in fact there has only been two people from the original line-up, the lead singer and the bassist. It was pretty cool seeing them recording Wasting Light with Butch Vig producing in Dave Grohl's garage basically. I think this kind of recording shows how much of a normal guy he is and the fact he wanted to record onto tape and have it sound real rather than digitally and have it all manufactured and 'perfect' sounding. There was also moments of real emotion shown from various members of the band, one memorable time being when recounting Taylor's trip to hospital after a particularly hard drug session and it was really up in the air if and how well he would recover. Overall I enjoyed watching the film and after seeing all the live performance footage I would love to see them in concert. I also have a couple more music related films ready to be watched so I hope they are as well made.

Back From Holiday!!

Last night I got back from Cornwall in quite speedy time considering all the fog and crazy drivers. I had a great time relaxing and despite lack of internet and recorded TV shows to watch I managed to keep myself entertained by going to a few nice local towns like Newquay and Falmouth and also over the course of the holiday I managed to completely read Rod Stewart's autobiography from cover to cover and also carry on with reading World War Z. I really liked reading Rod. He has lived quite an exciting life and it was nice to hear about his younger life, his time with The Faces where I found out that some of the members were from The Small Faces which I guess I really should have known, hearing about his love for football and more specifically Scottish football and mostly his love for the women throughout his life. He definitely has been with plenty of ladies and in doing so has built up quite a family. The pictures included in the book are quite nice to see, showing his offspring and also himself through the decades and seeing how his clothing style started and changed through the eras. It really was a brilliant book. 

World War Z is going pretty well, it has taken me quite a while to get into it but I think I am finally there and only have about 20% left of the book. I'm glad I will finish before the film comes out and hopefully it will be as good and as properly laid out as the book is turning out to be. I'm also really looking forward to going back to Cornwall in the next holiday break I get. I will for sure visit Newquay because that place is the best town in my opinion mainly for the shops, but I will also want to visit Falmouth again, Truro and maybe Plymouth maybe? I dunno but we will see when we get down there. :) I figured I will end on a Rod Stewart tune and I have chosen one of his earlier songs. You Wear It Well footage from Top Of The Pops, you can really get a sense of his fashion at the time, Mad!

   

Cornwall Times

I'm currently heading down to the sunny land that is Cornwall. The campsite I'm gonna be staying in is pretty much devoid of signal, which is the reason this post is being done at a service station en-route. I will post when I can over the time of the holiday but over the next week and a bit my posts will be less frequent. 

In terms of music, yesterday I watched the movie The Wrestler and along with being a great film, the final song played was The Wrestler by Bruce Springsteen. I think it suits the film so beautifully and I have been getting proper into the lyrics and everything about the song. Probably solely due to that song I'm considering buying the soundtrack. I'm also liking the director of the movies style, I forget his name but he also directed Black Swan which was another brilliant film. Definitely gonna watch more of his back catalogue.

Anyway everyone enjoy the holidays and beautiful weather :).

YouTube Video Of The Week! 16/07/13

My chosen video this week is from a series by Noisey called Guitar Moves. This episode in particular features Albert Hammond Jr. guitarist from The Strokes. I really enjoy watching this series because you get to watch generally great guitarists jam with the host and learn about their guitar playing style. It is only on the ninth episode but I seem to have picked up a few different tips for my guitar playing. I also enjoy the host of the shows playing style and whilst jamming with the guest he really tries to understand and learn their particular playing styles and plays along with them. Check it out:

YouTube Video Of The Week! 09/07/13

I have only just came across this video last night. Its a set of 3 songs performed by Skinny Lister. All songs were for the NPR Tiny Desk Concert and NPR have produced yet again another good video. I first got into these Tiny Desk Concerts when Tallest Man In The World performed. The sound quality just seems to be at least a little bit better than other live performances I have seen on YouTube. This bands set particularly attracted me because they are another band that sing with such passion and energy it really gets you excited for their music and it really gets you up and into a good mood. Again they are also a group of talented musicians as well as singers. Check it out!

Godiva Festival!

Last Saturday I decided to go to the Godiva Festival in Memorial Park in near by Coventry. This was the first time I have went in the 15 years I think it has been running. Now that I have been I realise I should have been going for a long time. For a free festival, the amount of top quality acts are pretty remarkable. I only went for the Saturday night because the artists on the other days didn't really appeal to me enough to make the journey. The headline acts that played on the Saturday were Steve Craddock from Ocean Colour Scene, Lucy Rose, The View and Maximo Park. The act I was most excited for was The View, for me they were who I would have preferred to headline at the end of the night. They put on a great show despite me not having a clue what Kyle Faulkner was saying to the crowd in his grumbly Scottish accent. I stayed for a couple of songs into Maximo Park but after Graffitti I had had my fill. I didn't know enough songs of theirs to be that bothered. I was pleasantly surprised by Lucy Rose, who I had pretty much disregarded as just a standard young girl, nice voice with an acoustic guitar but her and her band were more experimental than I expected. Concrete Knives played mid-afternoon and I had never heard of them before but they produced some nice tunes for the summer sunshine and I thought it was pretty cool that they travelled from France to play. Not sure if it was solely for Godiva but it still was pretty cool. I was also happy with how easy it was for me to get to the front railing especially at a free festival. After Reverend and The Makers came off, crowds swarmed away from the stage area and I got to like second row and then after being almost crushed during the Mallory Knox set, their fans left and I got my position for the rest of the night. Definitely going next year if the line up is even half as good.

 

 

 

KT Tunstall & New Designers 2013

So I have just got back from the New Designers exhibit in London. There was so much cool stuff. Lots of amazing, well crafted furniture and one of the products that really caught my eye was these wooden clips (pictured below) that you can clip onto any inanimate object and when you hit the said object, it gets relayed back through the cord to the unit then to the computer which then produces the corresponding drum sound back through the speakers. I don't quite understand the technology but just the fact you can use any kind of object as drums I thought it was pretty incredible. I saw lots more stuff, a selection of which is below also.

I have also been meaning to post photos of the KT Tunstall gig I went to, like a week Thursday ago. Better late than never. Such an enjoyable gig that I have purchased my ticket to see her at the Symphony Hall later on in the year. Lets hope she puts on the same quality gig she does in a small venue into quite a large venue.

 

YouTube Video Of The Week! 02/07/13

This week I have chosen a video of Haim performing Forever at Glastonbury. The picture quality is not the best but seeing as the festival season is off and rocking I wanted to share some of the excitement with everyone. Whilst watching some of the Glasto sets on my computer it has made me majorly excited for the Reading Festival at the end of August. I just hope the weather is as good as it has been recently. I chose this video in particular because this is one group who I want to see at Reading and after seeing them supporting Florence I know to expect a good show. Hopefully more festivals this summer post online content because Glastonbury produced a brilliant amount of content this year. Great band, great song, excited for debut album.

The Wild Boar Acoustic Night!

Last night I went to an acoustic event at The Wild Boar pub in Warwick. I haven't been to one of these before yesterday in what feels like years and I was pleased by the quality of the performers who played. The majority of singers seemed to be females but all the singers had different singing and playing styles which kept things interesting. The singer I liked the most was one of the featured artists of the night, a lady who went by Miss Ellie (https://www.facebook.com/MissEllieMusic). She played a range of her own material and covers. Over the night I can definitely say I preferred listening to songs the singers had written themselves. It just seemed that there was an extra something that was brought out in the playing of the song. Recently I can say I have had enough of listening to people doing covers of pop/top 40 songs on an acoustic guitar and thinking it is totally out there and different, I have heard enough of them and sometimes I just want to listen to a song that was made for acoustic guitar. Overall, it was a good night and next time I would like to stay later and see all of the acts. Great little venue, staff and location were brilliant.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 25/06/13

This week is a double hitter with music videos. Two videos sort of linked in terms of the punk rockish genre. One fairly new track and one track a decade and a bit older.

First is a track from a band called The Lunachicks which I found out about through reading the latest Inked Magazine special music issue. The track is called Say What You Mean and I really like the speed and catchiness of it. Also how there is basic instruments playing and shouty vocals fighting for space makes for a rough and ready listen. The track clocks in at just over 2 minutes long and it that time it can really get hooked in your head.

The second track is from The Orwells called Mallrats (La La La). It definitely has the same hook styles as the previous track with the la's repeating all the way through. Another thing I think it has in common is the scuzzy kind of guitar with what sounds like basic chords being played. All in all its a pretty cool song.

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I love both of these tracks and I think this kind of genre is one of my favourites to listen to, especially when I want to get pumped up or energetic for something. I'm definitely going to look further into The Lunachicks catalogue and further into this genre in general.

Gutted :(

Just a quick post to say how annoyed I am with how impatient I get when purchasing concert tickets for the next gig. A few weeks ago now I purchased a ticket to see Tonight Alive (pictured below) for a concert on the 1st of October and just yesterday I received a notification off of my SongKick app telling me that Laura Marling will be playing Birmingham Symphony Hall on the same date. Sooo annoying that there wasn't even one days difference between the two artists because even the amount that I want to see Laura Marling, I still want to see Tonight Alive. I think their album is a proper killer which I think I have mentioned in a previous post and I think they will proper rock the crowd. Their tickets are not sold out yet but they should be, they are that good.  I just hope Laura does more dates in my area. Please.

 

 

 

Bruce Springsteen Live at Ricoh Arena Coventry!

Last night I went to see Springsteen with my papa at the Ricoh Arena. This was my first stadium sized show I have been to and let me tell you it was brilliant. Driving there and back was a proper ball ache due to the amount of traffic but once we got inside the venue all was good. It was quite easy to get a decent spot in the crowd and we didn't have to wait too long before the main man came on stage. I was impressed with him not having a support act and doing the whole set which was roughly 3 hours long just himself and the band. He has so much energy, running all over the stage and putting so much effort into singing and guitar playing, it really is amazing. With The E Street Band I was sort of expecting a backing band like The Roots are on Jimmy Fallon's show but I was dead wrong. It was much more of a partnership, those guys are so talented and brilliant musicians and I was particularly impressed with the saxophonist, some of his solos really stood out for me. Another thing I really liked about the show was Bruce's interaction with the audience, either by picking people to come join him on stage or getting handmade signs from audience members he particularly likes, more bands should learn from this guy. On the set list side of things I think he had a decent mix of older tracks and stuff from the new album, there were both songs for me and my dad to sing along to. I can honestly say he kept me excited and pumped up the whole way through compared to some bands in the past where at points my interest wavers. He was easily worth the money paid for a ticket and I would for sure see him again.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 18/06/13

I haven't posted recently mainly because I have been busy with sorting out my stuff for when I move house but I'm for sure going to keep doing these YouTube video posts weekly. This weeks track is Jake Bugg - Seen It All. It is an acoustic session done for Radio 1's Live Lounge. I chose the acoustic version over the studio recorded one because I think the sound of a live acoustic guitar is really beautiful to hear, especially with his voice. Seen It All is in my opinion one of the best tracks from the album. Check it out:

YouTube Video Of The Week! 11/06/13

This is a bit of a throwback to 2008. The band being Red Light Company with track Scheme Eugene. The band are not together currently but this track and 1 or 2 others I have always liked. It is a rock song in the same vein as Snow Patrol, The Fray etc. I wish they were still together to keep producing tracks like this but I will just have to enjoy what I have been left with. See what you think:

The Darkness Coventry Kasbah Live!

Last night me and a couple of mates went to see The Darkness at the Kasbah in Coventry. Straight away one thing that annoys me about the Kasbah is that they don't let you keep your ticket. The main reason being because I collect all of my tickets for a scrapbook kind of thing. 

Their support was a band called Glass Guns. Not my cup of tea particularly but they got everyone relatively pumped up for the main act. When The Darkness got onto stage in my opinion they put on quite a show. Justins interactions with the audience was one of the best compared to bands I have seen in the past. Crowd surfing off of the balcony, joking around with the crowd and at one point even getting a guy to throw all his clothes on stage (literally he was just left in his gross pants and socks) he really made it a good time for everybody. I went into this gig not knowing the majority of the songs that were played but I really enjoyed the fact that I could sing along with them because most of the songs were pretty easy to pick up with catchy choruses or little hooks. After seeing this show I really rate Justin Hawkins as a lead singer and showman more than I used to. To me his personality is a mix of Jack Sparrow and Russell Brand, he is a great front man and he has really gone up in my books. Great show and would totally go see them again.

YouTube Video Of The Week! 04/06/13

In a follow up to my last post, this weeks video is from Laura Marling called When Brave Bird Saved. Its like a short movie in which the first 4 tracks from her latest album are played. She is such a talent that I felt I had to post a video showing her off even more. Its slightly long, around the 18 minute mark but if you have some time its definitely worth a listen.

Laura Marling fan boy (me)

Happy April!

 

I wanted to do a post on how much I admire Laura Marling and the amount of high quality music she produces. At the age of 23 she has made four albums and from making the first one in 2008, she seems to have kept extremely busy. The latest one being I Was Once An Eagle, which I have just finished listening to and I really am amazed at her lyrical quality. The stories she creates in the heads of the listeners with her music is an incredible skill to have at such a young age. I mean I've heard musicians a lot older than her trying to write powerful lyrics and not even coming close to her standard.

 

I'm also really envious of her lifestyle at the moment, she is currently in L.A. which is in the country that I would love to live and she seems to live her life very care free with nothing to tie her down which to me sounds a very relaxed way to be.

 

She is also a wonder on the guitar and her vocals are truly unique, so much so that even a syllable or single word you hear from one of her songs you know its Laura Marling. Also as I'm currently learning guitar and constantly trying to get better, her strength and skill in playing really motivates me and makes me strive to be as good as her one day (in my dreams). 

 

Unfortunately I have yet to see her live yet but I would love the chance to do. I've heard she is doing the BBC Proms 2013 but hopefully she will perform a bit closer to me soon.

 

 

YouTube Video Of The Week! 28/05/13

This week I have been getting into a slightly alternative style than normal with Iggy Azalea featuring T.I.. Out of the few tracks she has released so far, this one is my favourite. I like her rapping style and I think there is a cheeky element to her lyrics but that doesn't diminish the quality of them, she is not just singing nonsense like other artists I've heard in the past. On the basis of the few tracks I have heard so far I have pre-ordered her album due to be released in September. I'm really excited to here what else she has to offer. I'm also interested to see what she is like live so I'm considering trying to see her at Reading Festival in Aug. Hopefully her live show is as good as I'm imagining. I've heard she has been compared to previous female rappers in the past and to be honest I see small comparisons but she has her own style that I think shines through enough to be classed as an artist in her own right. Here is the track:

 

 

Charity Shop Haul

Can I just say thank god for charity shops. No where else would I be able to pick up these great albums for 50p a pop. Yesterday i went to the local in Crown Way and got these handful of records. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs albums I was particularly pleased with getting because there is some great songs on them that I want in my catalogue. I also picked up this best of Paul McCartney cassette. Shame I threw away my tape player when i was younger but I think it's a cool little memento to have anyways, I love the old McCartney :) I also picked up a couple of cheesy vinyl singles KC & The Sunshine Band - Give It Up and The Tweets - Birdie Song. Yes I know they're embarrassing but they were 30p each so I thought what the hell. I have also ordered the debut from Parquet Courts and a Kacey Musgraves album which should arrive in the next day or two. But yeah both of those I'm really excited to hear, again a lot to listen to during the summer break. Lets hope the sun keeps shining. 

YouTube Video of the week! 21/05/13

I figured that because I spend a lot of my time on YouTube I should post my favourite tracks, new or old of the week and this week i'm really into Bleached - Dead In Your Head. Its not the actual music video but it is the official audio. Check it out : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5uWwLGEGgM


I think it has a sort of old school rock sounds to it. Let me know what you think?

Little Green Cars

The support had a soft/subdued and slightly dark feel to them alongside the female singers beautiful piercing stare made for a powerful experience. At times the vocals were hard to hear over the instruments but the guitar playing was quite brilliant, it was a shame I couldn't hear what they were called but I have a picture (below) if you recognise them?

As for Little Green Cars, they had a slow acoustic start with a small mic problem but it soon picked up with the introduction of the electric guitar. They played my favourite songs from the album (My Love Took Me Down To The River To Silence Me, Harper Lee and The Kitchen Floor) The thing that was most impressive was the vocal harmonies of these guys. Every member seemed to have some singing ability but my particular favourite was the female singer. For the encore they came out into the crowd for an ultra stripped back performance of The Consequences Of Not Sleeping which is another song i really enjoyed. Overall the feel of the gig had a really chilled out vibe and everyone seemed to be really hanging on to every word they sang, they were so enchanting. I would like to see where their next album will take them.