27th-30th June

I'm going to have to look at the classic emo/rock/pop bands tonight. Massive cringe and to spark things off...

1. Good Charlotte-Girls & Boys

Such a standard song from my childhood. I would have been 8 when this came into being and at that vulnerable impressionable age and must have been seriously swayed by my friends into listening to this song. It's obviously had an impact as it has been ringing in my head all day. Crazy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FTS2tdmyYM

2. Wheatus- Teenage Dirtbag

Not even joking this is probably the most classic song of my generation. Possibly the soundtrack to my generation in more ways than one; not only did we grow up with it but we sit around and do nothing all day. Literally so it's very fitting. I love it though, so American and so shit but kind of addictive like horrible sickly strawberry sweets that you keep taking another of despite their vile taste? You can't hate this song though it's too harmless and downright fun! Plus he has an awesome hat so is already a "winner."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC3y9llDXuM

3. My Chemical Romance-Welome to the Black Parade

I do believe this horrific song haunted my childhood. I hated it. It's depressing, satanical sound and unnecessarily strange lyrics. I still hate it little has changed so seriously, if you have any self worth or enjoy being remotely happy do not listen to this song. I have however included a link in case you like it...they're new stuff is more poppy and perhaps no better but I am looking forward to the bottling they're going to recieve at Reading this year. The video is like some failed copy of the nightmare before Christmas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDWgsQhbaqU

There we are a little early 2000's time warp. Little mix of the good and the not so good childhood influences I recieved from the wonderful music industry we have now. I do hope you enjoyed 2/3 of that.

So hot

So 2 from the 23rd plus the 23rd-27th....booohooo 6 for today and I'm running low on motivation in this heat!

So Monday 27th June we have lift off...

Now the initial aim behind this blog was to bring to light some underground slightly less well known music but it has turned into a free for all platform on which my sporadic brain has begun to spew anything it likes. This is how I shall continue as it's easier, but first some new undiscovered (he's actually recently been signed but shhhh) music

1. Adam Barnes- Supermarket

This video is wonderful. I love the sneaky way in which this guys friends slide him his guitar and he hurriedly puts it over his head and begins to play. Such respect for them as it makes a brilliantly entertaining video to accompany a lovely song. Definitely going to see this guy in Wycombe on the 7th (?) on my own if I have to! Even without the video his voice and skills come through but with the video you realise he's playing and singing whilst walking and avoiding miserable supermarket assistants. This has a spooky similarity to Seth Lakemans music though, even the pitch and tone of Barnes' voice is the same. Strange stuff, but wonderful chilled summer music. I think in the winter I will find some more depressing slow stuff but while the suns out I'll stick to this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cY5fdcu5XI

2. American Trash

This sounds like 303H! (or whatever their name is) but I have decided is a lot better, again, the video contributes to this admiration and liking a lot. I think it's extremely clever and the captions are an excellent way to get their point across without clogging up precious lyric space with words that don't quite work together. Anyway altogether a very listenable to song (for about 5 minutes, then for my ears it gets a little grating)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqR70ddvv7E

3. Rage Against the Machine- Killing in the name

Yes it was good when it was released but even better when it ruined the charts a few christmas' ago! So satisfying to see the industry is not completely monopolised by psychos (see what I did there, ey clever...or sad I'm not sure) And it restored a little faith in humanity, primarily in the youth of Britain but still gave me the anarchistical kick I need just before Christmas!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCiTVdrK3jE&feature=fvst

4. Benjamin Taylor-Wicked Way

Now this is a very strange song. I'll forewarn you of that. I love it though; brutally honest and truthful and brings to light what a lot of men want. Of course not all but at least it's a man singing about it very bluntly. The video is mesmerising and incredibly well thought out and put together. The director is a genius. This is definitely my favourite song in a long time and I downloaded it in December last year and still love it. If you took the words away and just listened to the tune and music it sounds like a Jason Mraz esque type of song with uplifting summery lyrics but then with the lyrics you see how raw and crashing it really is. The contrast is probably what draws me to this song every time. To put it simply I love it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrpYBm1inNs

5. Chuck Ragan-For broken ears

Such a gruff voice that suits these lyrics so well. I can't really say very much about this song. It's very millitant and the use of the harmonica is genius. It evokes a feeling in me that wants to go out and fight to change the world. It's strange it's not a soft voice yet so listenable and charming. Creates the picture of a rugged, tall, handsome stranger somehow. Perhaps with walking boots walking the coastal path in late August. It is very end of summery this song so I shant dwell. I should analyse more as it's a brilliant song with wonderful lyrics but my brain refuses to work at the moment so I'll simply listen and not think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLJ48osG7wY

6. The miserable Rich- Boat Song

I can't find a decent recording of this song but the introductory Brahms lullaby should be indicative of the content of the song. I believe it's dedicated to the leads mother and is a kind of promise of protection. A promise to look after her as she did he when he was young. This is one of the most adorable songs ever written. To tell your mother not to worry, that you'll always be there for her is something everyone tries to articulate but few manage it so beautifully as this band. The childhood experiences he refers to are easy for most to relate to as well as they are memories that become engrained; being sung to sleep, having a pack lunch made for you, having fairy tales read to you all these wonderful childhood things which people forget you also need when you're grown up too. Too beautiful this song and it's a shame there aren't any very good quality recordings of it. I have one on my ipod though so I'm smug. I'm glad I finished on such a touching and personal song. Enjoy this one if you didn't any of the others please, it deserves some recognition and love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5Vh8558rIA

I miss Oceanfest terribly!

Wow 13th-22nd without a post, to be fair I've been at a festival for 3 days and couldn't do one the night before that but I shall make up for it now, oh no 10 songs to find and review. I won't make them my favourites as I'll save them for summer and when I have more time to do them justice. I am working on an essay on Nick Drake though which I shall post when it's finished; it's a very in depth analysis though so may take some time!

1. Beardyman- kitchen diaries

Not strictly a song I suppose however this guy is insanely talented and really innovative and fresh. He's bringing the art of beatboxing to the masses and bringing this strange vocal art form to the front of peoples minds. It's also incredibly entertaining and enjoyable to watch, and frequently I find myself watching with my mouth open and a slight laugh of amazement sneaks out. Brilliant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7GGkKpBR-g

2. Charlee Drew- Run Away

This guy is so easy to listen to and he's got a kind of street edge to his soft voice which is exciting. He also seems to genuinely mean all the lyrics he's singing which of course makes the sound significantly better. I love the rawness of this song and Charlee's voice aswell (Shame about the odd way he spells his name...maybe there are too many Charlie Drews?) I've known about this guy for about 3/4 years since my friend friended him on fb and I thought I'd follow the lead and I'm glad I did he's ridiculously talented so good luck to him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-PV7wASaGU&feature=related

3. Example-Changed the way you kissed me

I think it's this mans brilliantly odd voice that makes me love him. Or perhaps his hilarious twitter posts but I have fallen for his gruff voice since he released his first less hip hop song last year (?) I was listening to an interview he gave on Radio one and he was saying how he was still in his "smoking robe" at 1 in the afternoon and something about being in a house with lots of other people I don't really remember, oh and he went to have singing lessons but they said they would ruin his unique voice if they coached him so he didn't ahah what a lucky escape. He has gone from strength to strength and even though he is an arrogant prick he is the sort of person I would love to marry, he takes sarcasm in the same horrible light as me and doesn't care what people think. He just seems to be here to have a good time and be mean about people. Classic me right there!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLXt3yh2g0s

4. King Blues- Boulder

So much respect for these guys right now. Saw them at the weekend at Goldcoast Oceanfest and even though they have a brand new album out they played all of their old stuff, which is exactly what the crowd wanted to hear. They were also ridiculously humble saying they expected about 6 people to turn up to watch them, I guess anarchy isn't huge in Devon, and seemed genuinely honoured that so many people had come down to watch them. We even got a picture with Jamie and Itch from the band and a autograph from Itch which they were more than willing to do. So much love for their anarchist-ical (?) lyrics and ways right now it's unreal. They are incredible live, so much energy that infects everyone in the crowd. They all seem to genuinely enjoy being on stage and love the crowds reaction. Their military, political chants are mixed in with heartfelt warming songs that you can't help but relax to. Itch also has an amazingly cute dog and a wonderfully odd voice ( I seem to have a thing for weird voices tonight)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfFpjm2jLXM

Eugh less than half way through oooh nooo!

5. Athlete-Wires

I really do have a knack for being drawn to really depressing songs about death or distress. Not that I'm complaining as they're usually the most heartfelt ones with the best lyrics they just put me on a bit of a low mood for a while. Athlete are the perfect example of a depressing British band who produce captivating music. This song ends slightly more positively but the negative feeling throughout the song is lingering and almost haunting. I miss Athlete I wonder what they're doing now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPUlichsfQg

5. A fine frenzy- Bird of summer

Not my usual music as it's far too girly and loving but not desperate and reliant so I can cope. At least she doesn't seem to mind if he doesn't come back at all, she won't fall apart without him and she can let him go. Better summer love song than that ghastly Grease one! She has a nice calm solid voice that's very summery and uplifting, which is good as I need it after Athlete's depressing intervention in my life!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yEMYx6d3uM

6. Iron and wine- Flightless bird

Ruined by the bands use on the Twilight films this is still a beautiful song with a beautiful voice to go with it. Such peaceful listening yet very thought provoking and deep. The deep, heavy sort of sound is wonderfully refreshing after the high pitched, ear piercing sounds everyone seems to be in to at the moment. The flowing voice is relaxed and seems to come easy to the vocalist. Such effortless talent is rare and should be appreciated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLFkHxTcaPI

7. Backbeat Soundsystem-Procrastination Station

These guys are so siiiiick! So chilled and lovely! Can't get enough of them right now after their smashing set at Goldcoast. The lead singers dreads were amazing, I literally couldn't take my eyes of them, captivating. They certainly did bring the reggae to Devon on that rainy day and I'm thankful for it. So easy to dance to and it has instantly lifted my mood. I love how many members there are in the band and they all evidently bring different elements to the sound; it works brilliantly! These guys seem like genuine gentlemen and lovely people and I can't wait to see them live again for some good ol' "skanking"-yes they introduced this interesting word to my vocabulary! This song also has wonderful crowd encouraging lyrics!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqs47QClqmc

8. Johnny Flynn- The Box

Ahh this guy is adorable and his work is wonderfully simple. I'm getting a little bored of typing so this will be the last song tonight I'll finish tomorrow. The video's pretty cool as well and the fast beat and interesting tempo he has in his lyrics provide for interesting listening. They lyrics are clever as well all about a tramp but I feel it's also a plea for how Flynn wouldn't mind living himself-quite, simple, not confronted just peaceful. Would be nice eh?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzknjC-DJt0

Tired now, too much typing so 3 tomorrow-done.

ahem

I'm getting quite lazy with this now but as long as I do it every now and then I should be able to keep up. I have a few songs I want to review but a few artists who need a little more time and attention than I have to give at this time.

1. Twin Atlantic- Lightspeed

Jesus! These guys have got a lot more views since I watched this last! First heard Twin Atlantic on Zane Lowe's show what must have been about 2 years ago now and I was instantly hooked. I think it was the accents. After following their movements for a while they are now playing Reading festival on the festival republic stage and are apparently incredible live so I'm in for a treat. It's a bit heavier than my usual stuff but has a catchy drum beat which I like ahha. I also like his jeans in this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLaLjPQ4W44

2. Pulp-Common People

Ahh Pulp the godfather of festival music. Mellow yet enrapturing. XFM said today that whoever is going to Reading and Leeds is in for a treat as Pulp put on an incredible set at Isle of Wight. Saw Jarvis Cocker at Green Man a few years ago and he just captivated the audience and held their attention. Interacted and threw sweets at fully grown adults. It was wonderful. So back to the music, it must be good as my mum likes it and it's stood the test of time. FACT.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqgXzPfAxjo

3. Stornoway-Zorbing

Wow these guys have grown too, again Green Man (they seem to churn out some quality music before it's hit the masses!) and at underage where they were cracking some wonderful stories about strange arrests.....They have been labelled the most intelligent band ever as all four went ot oxford university to study at some level. They're also incredibly shy and modest and just simply adorable! I'm glad they've made some progress as they definitely deserve it. The lyrics to some of their songs are wonderfully crafted and put to music expertly but as someone commented on the video "this ladies and gentlemen is what happiness sounds like." And I completely agree so uplifting and joyous like all of their songs. This is one song I don't want to listen to too much incase I cause it to bore me and I begin to dislike it. God forbid that day comes. (Fuel Up is my favourite song by them)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiLO4qPkA64

I will tackle Frank Turner, Nick Drake ( who I'm doing some English coursework on) and Damien Rice at some other time when I have plentiful time to spend on them. Perhaps in the summer holidays midst constructing a bed, learning to skateboard properly and going on numerous bike rides.

EXPLICIT

3 days to catch up on, 3 songs, I'm going to say it's manageable.

The Vaccines

1. The Feeling-Join with us

Ahh the feeling, they're bringing out another album this summer and I actually still love them. Very British and happy, even if the vocals are a little weak and some of the lyrics are a little lame. It's a kind of attempt at a druggy video but stopped at the realms of reality, a little like an Alice in Wonderland concept I think. This music doesn't really get old and although there's nothing I can analyse about the lyrics it's a keeper and an extremely enjoyable song. (even if all their stuff sounds the same)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoBz54K4wzU&feature=relmfu

2. Bastille-Flaws

Oooooh brand new music (well 5 months old but no album yet and only 2 songs=new music!) I love this, intriguing lyrics that can be literally taken at face value and should allow anyone to relate to them. The video is also wonderful, very strange film-I know what I'm doing this rainy Sunday! The lightness with which this electronic sound is played is exciting and fresh and it has a highly addictive sound, definitely one to watch as they're already 16th in the Alternative chart on Itunes- the only way is up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgITTJCESAw

3. The Vaccines-All in White

Gone for a pretty standard song here but I really like it. The lead singer has been around a while under the name of Jayjay Pistolet doing lots of indie stuff, the bassist is from the Horrors so they were destined to be good from the beginning. The video is what I want to concentrate on and it is a wonderful celebration of what it is to be young. Made me feel quite smug and happy sat here- I am going to have to do some of these things when I get the chance, maybe university as they look so liberating. The lyrics however almost all have double meanings, intricate double entendres are scattered amoungst what on the face of it are rather basic and understandable lyrics-which is evident by some of my friends who like the song; they're about as deep as a puddle. Back to the video, it is wonderful, EXPLICIT, but wonderful so do not watch if you are under 18 or may be offended.

http://www.vevo.com/watch/the-vaccines/all-in-white-explicit/GB1101100193

I couldn't face Frank Turner today, maybe another time when I feel like spilling my adoring comments onto a page but not on a Friday and certainly not sober, not nearly half as much fun!

7 days off, disaster-I'm only betraying myself however

Wow 7 days off! Ooooh nooooo!

Here it goes 7 songs, in 7 minutes argh!

1. Down Down Down- Charlie Simpson

No I haven't become an ex boy band groupie however I do like Simpsons voice and this song is very different from Busted and different to Fightstar. It's acoustic like and soulful sounding. He was also on the late night review on Radio one and listening to it I gained a lot more respect for him as he appeared to have a wide understanding of a wide range of music and a deep interest in the genre he is trying to break into which was refreshing. The lyrics may be a little trashy but I like the song, it's easy summer listening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_g3pT8nac8

2. BTSTU-Jai Paul

This is certainly not the normal sort of music I listen to however it is the genre I would like to listen to more of. This has a strange haunting sound to it and has a hint of the clangers in parts. Despite this childish reference the bad language ensures it is not for children's ears. It flows very nicely with very few lyrics and no acoustic guitar in sight! An impressive feat! As the video says "This is dreamy..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAfCbr7JFe0

3. Foster the People- Pumped up Kicks

This song, made famous by Greg James' bum dance, is so easy to dance to. Whether its a discrete head bob on the bus or a full on mad dance in the bedroom this song is a summery classic! It has a hint of Vampire Weekends and MGMT mixed with electropop sound. Perfect for a summer picnic or a chilled evening party the catchy tune is sure to be stuck in my head for days and I will be whistling the tune for weeks to come. I don't think I will get bored of this song, a rarity to be sure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDTZ7iX4vTQ

4. Bon Iver-Calgary

This is perhaps Bon Ivers greatest single of late. It's a puzzling arrangement of slow, sad melodies and then the beat drops only very slightly, quickens but the singing doesn't change! Complete mindfuck. I can't wait for the album I have a feeling it will be incredible. The lack of chorus adds to the beauty of this mystical track. I've been following Bon Iver for years and since seeing him at Green Man in 2009 I have fallen even more in love with him as his stage presence strikes the perfect balance between confidence and ability to engage the audience and his modesty and appreciation of the scenery and the audience-live performances are a two way thing after all. This is a slightly new direction for Bon Iver and he has lost none of his individuality, I couldn't say he has improved as this would be a lie-I'm not sure he could have improved.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbJy1zeoDn4

5. Jont-Another Door Closes

I think this has to be the most depressing song I have listened to in a long time, probably why I love it so much. After failing to make it as a poet Jont took a singing slant to his career and thank God he did. His voice would have been a waste to have never been heard. I was reading Shakespeare's 60th Sonnet today and there were so many links I could make! Of course there was not the same level of intricacy but they targeted the same issue and used similar metaphors. It's a shame he hasn't yet recieved the recognition he so rightfully deserves as he seems to be very modest and certainly very hardworking-I'm sure his break will come soon, good things should happen to good people; don't ya think!?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WmI-wRF1tc

6. Joe Purdy- Suitcase

Another Grey's anatomy song here, trust I don't watch it but this is the only place that seems to have these songs! Maybe I should watch it, seems to have a very good soundtrack. This is a new song for me so I'm going to have to get used to it before I can make a deep analysis of the lyrics however I love the tune, so relaxing and beautiful to listen to. The mix of sounds is delightful and calming. Lovely for lazy summer evenings and for indulgent thinking; which I do often. From a brief listen to the lyrics I have decided they are quite lovely and the haunting sound reflects this perfectly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kapKiY4hxDQ

7. Benjamin Francis Leftwich-Box Of Stones

Brand new music now! Going to see him in 1 1/2 weeks time and I cannot wait, I have a feeling he is going to explode onto the British acoustic/Indie/even pop market in a short time. Very chilling yet beautiful voice and a hint of Bon Iver in his voice- a little faint yet lingering. You can tell from all his songs he means what he says and sings and whoever they are about is a very very lucky girl to have someone who openly cares so much about them. Such a lovely song to have composed and I hope that it is done justice in two weeks time and I get to listen to this on the beach as the sun sets late and low on a warm summers evening with a nice Bulmers or a Pimms.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sin9PRz583E

Woooh done for today, tomorrow I think Frank Turners new album/single I'm undecided.

I'm going to Falmouth though so may have to wait til Thursday, damn girl. Also, yes it's been more than 7 minutes more like 37, no matter.