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.