Badge It!

Girl Power!

2005-08-13T17:57:00.000Z

Recently I've really had a craze on female vocalists, despite in the past being strictly a fan of males. I've mentioned the fantastic Sleater Kinney before so needn't mention again, but would still come under this heading. The more fun the music, the more distinctive the voice, the better!

No-one fills those requirements better than Le Tigre! After hearing they were the tour support act for Beck, I had to give them a listen. My theory of Beck having great music taste proved right, and they now have me totally hooked! The voices are (mostly) high-pitched and unmistakeably girly, somewhat bratty, but in an endearing way; the music is predominantly electronica, integrated with punk rocking and disco beats; but more than anything, their music is fun!
Their debut, 'Le Tigre' is distinctively teenage, made mostly of raw, rhythmic electronica fronted by bratty screams and harmonies - dark in places and fluffy in others.
Their latest, 'This Island' is noticeably more polished and respectable, with 'fuller' sounding songs - it's still them, but padded out with a far rockier edge and above all, funked-up disco! Would make a great party album.
Check out 'Deceptacon', it's the song that I fell in love with :D

Years after first being amazed by the video for 'Coin-Operated Boy', I finally have the Dresden Dolls' album! Their brand of music is named 'Punk Cabaret', but don't let that (or their website for that matter) mislead you - any fan of unusual, dramatic and piano-driven melodies should definitely give them a listen. Their only two released singles (to my knowledge) give a great idea of their musical spectrum: 'Coin-Operated Boy' is a pretty, tink-tonk music-box ditty whereas 'Girl Anachronism' is a loud, manic and screaming onslaught. Though saying this, both are extremely catchy tunes! Their self-titled debut plays like a musical of female angst, with suitably witty and ironic lyrics: listen to one of my favourite album tracks: 'Bad Habit'

Finally, The Go! Team may be a multi-gender dance act, but they still have a great female vocalist and definitely deserve a mention! Download the song that got me hooked: 'Huddle Formation'
If you like that, be sure to get your hands on more by them - it's all brilliant!

ROCK!

2005-07-08T18:50:00.000Z

I'm more of an Indie girl really, but sometimes everyone needs a bit of rock! Rock is considered to be different things to everyone, especialy with all the sub-categories for it! But these are some examples of what I consider great rock.

First, a new discovery. Sleater-Kinney are an all-female rock band who have been around for a while and made several albums, and I've heard two of these, 'The Woods', their latest, and my personal favourite, 'One Beat'. Had I known they were an 'female rock band' from the start, I probably wouldn't have given them a try, as I usually far prefer male vocals to female vocals. But, now I'm a huge fan!
The vocals are actually brilliant and complement their lively, harsh and edgy indie/alternative rock sound perfectly, combining quirkily sang, screamed, even yodell-like lead vocals with melodic harmonies, exuding attitude a world apart from silly, girly pop/rock such as other female bands like 'The Donnas' or 'The Faders'. I've listened to nothing else for a week now, as their songs are so unbelievably catchy and hook-filled that I think they must be addictive!
All Hands on the Bad One - All Hands on the Bad One
First song that got me interested, as it is very catchy and poppy! The simple melodies hooked me instantly.
Entertain - The Woods
A rockier song from their latest album - 1,2,3!
O2 - One Beat
I love this song - so many hooky melodies and riffs make it really catchy, and great for a sing along!

Another rock band I've taken a liking to (though not nearly as much) are Death From Above 1979. Their music is generally too 'screamy' and thrashy for my tastes, but I do love their first two singles, 'Blood On Our Hands' and 'Black History Month', the slower of the two and my favourite for it's fantastic bass line. Their music is all just drums and bass, and very loud and heavy, best described as 'Dance-metal' - it's brilliant for just thrashing out to, you know? Their album is streamed from their website, so take a listen!

Finally, I have to mention The Hives! I've been a casual fan for years, as their music is just so crazy, catchy and great to dance/rock-out to! There's just no-one like them, at least not who I know of - their hyper, dancy garage rock produces some really great tunes, my favourite being 'Hate to Say I Told You So'. I'm sure you've heard of them already, but if you haven't, what are you waiting for?

Random recommendations (not music)

2005-07-08T13:47:00.000Z

For our A2 english literature coursework, we have to write an essay comparing two books: school has chosen 'Alias Grace' by Margaret Atwood, and we choose the second book. I prefer reading the 'classics' usually, and I wasn't expecting much from such a modern writer - I was so wrong!

'Alias Grace' is a brilliantly deep, gripping and thought-provoking story based on the real murders of a master and his housekeeper by their two servants; Grace Marks being one of the servants, and sentenced to a life sentence in prison back in 1843. She is the main narrator, telling the story mostly as an intricately detailed monologue which reads as a stream of consciousness, constantly drifting between subjects; but the story is told through a wide range of means, featuring letters, a ballad and real newspaper and literary extracts which offer different viewpoints and facts, opening it up further to different interpretation. The thing I enjoyed most about this book were the supernatural and gothic undertones, and the element of a detective/crime fiction about it - dropping frequent suspicious and cryptic hints for the reader to analyse and connect in attempt to guess what's coming, and to reach a final conclusion on Grace's guilt or innoncence. My only criticization is the side story of Dr. Jordan, the psychiatric doctor trying to figure out Grace - I found the parts of the book focussed solely on him quite boring and unneccessary.
It's a thick and unconventional book, but I'd recommend it to anyone, espcially those into gothic and crime fictions like me.

The book I have chosen to compare it with is Wilkie Collins' classic, 'The Moonstone'. I read and enjoyed this, the first 'detective novel' ever written, about a year ago, and I immediately noticed similar features between it and 'Alias Grace' - unconventional structures and story-telling methods, monologue-like narration, and of course, an intriguing mystery to unfold. I'm in the process of re-reading it, but again, this is another great book if you like books that make you think, as the mystery of what happened to the moonstone is indeed a deep and difficult one to solve, although much of the story drifts from the focal point.

Finally, a completely detached topic. It has taken me years to find any kind of concealer or foundation that comes close to the paleness of my skin - what calls itself 'Ivory' on the bottle is often bright orange in reality - but finally I think I've found it. 'En Toute Legerete' by Bourjoir in 'ivoire naturelle' is the palest foundation I've ever been able to find, and the texture is very thin and fluid, making it closer to a light moisturiser than foundations that 'cake'. If you also have trouble finding high-street priced foundation for your pale complexion, try it!

They were amazing! Now, not so much.

2005-07-01T21:42:00.000Z

In shuffling the songs on my iPod today, it randomly played Hot Hot Heat's old song, 'No, Not Now' after not listening to them for ages, and it struck me! HHH were fantastic in their fun, hyperactive and slightly crazy songs. Where has that energy gone now? And what has happened to the singer's hair? He looks like Chrissie from Eastenders! Listen to their first single 'Bandages' and compare it to their newest singles from their new album 'Elevator', which I can't even remember the names of, because they're just like any other ordinary, mellow rock/pop songs. Maybe I'm being unfair because I'm basing my opinion purely on two singles, but the singles off their first album, 'Make Up The Breakdown' were irresistable! If you need proof:
'No, Not Now'
'Talk to Me, Dance With Me'
and lastly the video for 'Bandages'

I started thinking of other bands, and realised that this boring/ordinary fate has come to many! The Coral's first singles and self-titled album had a similar kind of original and strange charm - my favourite singles of theirs being sprightly 'Dreaming of You' or haunting 'Goodbye' - both brilliant! I hardly recognised them in hearing their latest single, 'In The Morning', as in contrast, this has to be the most 'twee' song ever released. It's boring and sounds like a pre-school children's tv show theme.

Idlewild have transformed from an energetic rock/punk band who made great rock songs full with catchy tunes and hooks, to a far mellower, indie and almost folk-music affair. The change has been gradual throughout their albums. Not to say that this change is definitely bad - I still enjoy listening to their latest album 'Warnings/Promises', as it's really nice for chilling out to, and does have one or two 'rock' moments. But their second album '100 Broken Windows' is without a doubt my favourite album, because the songs are SO catchy and uplifting. The perfect sing-along/rock-out soundtrack, in my opinion!

Above all, the furthest fall from Godliness is that of one of my favourite bands of all time, the mighty Weezer. Their newest offering Make Believe is very good, and a mostly enjoyable listen; but it can't even compare with beautiful teenage/geek anthem The Blue Album and the magnificent, raw angst of Pinkerton. Ask almost any long-time weezer fan and they'll say the same, but rest assured I formed this opinion on my own. The evidence is clear: Try comparing the almost mind-numbing dumbness of 'Beverley Hills' with any song off either their first two albums and you can see the ruin for yourself. I would suggest legendary 'Say It Ain't So' or 'The Good Life'.

And finally, my last example is one of my favourite bands, Interpol. Though I still love their latest and more mature album, 'Antics', throughly, I don't feel they will ever be able to surpass the narcotizing atmospheric beauty and genius of their first attempt, 'Turn Off The Bright Lights'. I wonder if there are any bands that have actually vastly improved from their first album?

Recent finds in Indie ... and University

2005-06-25T15:56:00.000Z

I've been looking at Universitys for the most part of the last week - the school keep piling on the pressure! It's hard making the desicions though... I could go to one of the top unis (though not Oxbridge) if I wanted, as I do have the grades, to study English Literature. But none of them really 'jump-out' at me as interesting or appealing - they all seem so similar and boring. Of course, the 'snob' side of my family are urging me to go to Durham, Warwick, etc., and the courses sound good enough. But my favourite at the moment is Keele - not for it's academic excellence, but large/quiet/picturesque campus, small/friendly community, the varied and exciting Dual-Honours courses (I want to do English and Biology)...
So what is most important? I think I need to go to the Open Days and make my own opinion.

Anyway, I've been giving new bands a try whilst looking at Unis! The Wrens have actually been around since the 90s, but I've only just listened to some of their music, the album The Meadowlands. It needs a few listens, but now I really like it - it's really varied, with both beautiful, emotional tracks and fun, poppy ones. Some songs, like 'She Sends Kisses' and 'Faster Gun' really stand out with catchy brilliance, and I can't stop listening to them. The album is very long though, and I still need to listen to the later songs in the album some more. To download:
'This Boy is Exhausted' - my absolute favourite of the album, it's so lively and happy!
'Boys, You Won't Remember' - a slowie giving a preview into their emotional side.

In contrast, The Magic Numbers are the latest new buzz-band in the UK at the moment, though I've known about them since before seeing their 'Forever Lost' video. They are nothing out of the ordinary - their sound is not all that original or unusual, but they have some really lovely, mellow and catchy pop songs, great for chilling out and singing along to! Their beautiful vocal harmonies are what make them special. Check out their album 'The Magic Numbers' if you like the sound of them!

Before the end I'd like to give new and unknown band Clor a mention! I have only heard a few of their songs and was first entertained and interested by their funny video for 'Outlines', but I'm very intrigued by their disco/electronica/pop sound!
Listen to unreleased tracks
Watch the video for 'Outlines'

New British Indie

2005-06-19T10:53:00.000Z

Seems like there's a whole bunch of new Indie bands emerging here at the moment, so why not go through my favourites?

Arctic Monkeys have only recently been signed - I first heard about them from a friend, saying she'd seen this weird and terrible indie band at Rock City, but knowing how different our tastes are I was encouraged to search for songs of theirs on the internet. I ended up finding a webpage (unfortunately taken down now) full of their songs, all laden with hooks, cockney vocals, comical lyrics and catchy tunes in general. They are frequently compared to The Libertines. They're not exactly the kind of music I usually listen to, but I enjoy listening to them once in a while for a pick-me-up!
Fake Tales of San Francisco - Their first and only video - not their best song, but I love the hyper-active ending.

Editors I know less about, but they've had a few singles now and I love their latest video for 'Blood'! They caught my attention with their Interpol-esque sound - atmospheric instrumentation, enhanced by lead vocalists with similar deep and haunting voices. Watch their first video:
'Bullets' - Not nearly as good as the moodier 'Blood' or 'Munich', but the only media avaliable to me.

Apartment I noticed them in watching 'Patience Is Proving' a really nice and sophisticated video. Again, the lead singer has a gorgeous deep voice, and the way he sings and looks reminds me of Brandon Boyd from Incubus ... he seems to have a very good range, and sweeps and soars along with the music. I would describe their sound as a lighter, slightly more up-beat Interpol, as they have a similar elegance and moodiness. Watch their first video:
'Everyone Says I'm Paranoid' - Not as good as 'Patience is Proving' but still a good song.

This has ended up as a rave about the wonderful Interpol, but I'll feature them fully in a later entry. :D

Great British Bands

2005-06-17T20:35:00.000Z

Most of my favourite indie/alternative artists that I've mentioned so far have been American - The Fiery Furnaces, The Decemberists, The White Stripes, The Shins, Rogue Wave. So it's about time I talked about some British talent!

Of course, great acts like Bloc Party are known by most now, their debut album 'Silent Alarm' selling thousands of copies. If you haven't heard of them, you're missing out! Sure, they've received a lot of hype, but in my opinion they live up to it - their music has a unique energy and rocky edge to it, producing very catchy songs! The vocals are fresh and interesting, layering and echoing working with the atmospheric guitars, and the lead singer Kele's unique voice soars over the dramatic drumbeats. Watch a couple of their videos:
'Banquet' - Edgy verses, soaring chorus, magnificent 'middle 8'! Great single
'Helicopter' - A personal favourite, really funky though less accessible.
'So Here We Are' - A delicate and fluid slowie to contrast with the above two.

Maximo Park are one of my favourite bands! I've been in love with them ever since seeing their first video, 'Apply Some Pressure' many months ago, as the song just grabbed me immediately with it's fast tempo, hook-heavy riffs/drum beat, distinctive vocals and frequent chops and changes in melody, forming 3 separate choruses as such. The whole of their great album, 'A Certain Trigger' follows suit, with hyper drum rhythms, spiky guitar riffs, fantastically catchy melodies, and lively 'Geordie' vocals. In my opinion, they are the best of the recent bunch of suit-wearing, arty, edgy, post-punk revivalists! Also see the video for 'The Coast Is Always Changing' - a more laid-back favourite of mine with a great melody.

I'll be continuing my highlighting of British bands in my next entry. :)

Spreading the indie-pop happiness

2005-06-14T19:16:00.000Z

Because Psychology is a college lesson, we don't begin A2 until September, yay! Which means on days like today I get to go home for lunch as I have no lessons in the afternoon. And what better to pick off my iPod to listen to on the walk home, on a cheery, sunny summer's day like today than indie-pop?
Of course, what I consider indie-pop others may consider as alternative or indie-rock, but I think of 'indie-pop' as the more light-hearted and easy-listening side of the indie spectrum. But enough babbling.

'The Shins' have been my favourites for a while - I was captivated right from the gorgeous intro to 'Caring is Creepy', and I had to have both their albums. I find their songs irresistably catchy, and very uplifting - the sound is very free and quite quirky, and they have many beautifully crafted riffs and melodies. But they can be emotional too - songs like 'Pink Bullets' off their second album 'Chutes Too Narrow' create a wistful tone with heart-felt vocals and enveloping main melody. Check out their website for the videos to their singles.
'Caring Is Creepy' - from 'Oh, Inverted World'

But my newest discovery are 'Rogue Wave', whom I was listening to today. They are very similar to The Shins, except I would say they're a bit more unusual and less commercial, and of course more exciting and fresh because they're 'new'! Any indie-pop fan should give their album 'Out of the Shadow' a listen, as it has some fantastic melodies and tunes - their website plays the album whilst you browse the site, but here are a couple of my favourite songs to download:
'Every Moment' - sweet and memorable prettiness
'Endless Shovel' - catchy and upbeat fun

Non-music relatedness: I was in disbelief when I read on bbc news yesterday that Michael Jackson has been cleared of all his charges. No, I don't believe he's as bad as some make him out to be, and I also think that the accusators are out for money, as they always are. But the trial has been going on for FOUR MONTHS, and taking up the headlines everywhere throughout, yet nothing has come out of it. If the jury were so set on his complete innocence, surely they didn't have to drag it on so long? What a waste of time, money and media coverage. I guess it's good that it's over - though I'm sure it won't be for long.

You set the fire in me

2005-06-13T16:52:00.000Z

The title is taken from my fave song at the moment, 'C-C (You set the fire in me)' by Tom Vek. The video is hilarious to me - the puppets are so delightfully evil! But I've loved this song ever since I heard his album 'We Have Sound' a long time ago. Tom Vek is a real up and coming talent - he's a one man band and his album has a very raw, self-produced sound which I love in any music. All his songs are very electronic, usually very simplisic but full of synthesisers and fantastic drum beats and bass riffs! His voice, mostly deep, drawling and laid-back is also right down my street, and some of his tunes are pretty addictive. Also check out his previous single:
I Ain't Saying My Goodbyes - the captivating video and song that first caught my attention.

You may have heard mixed reviews about the new White Stripes album, and it is indeed a mixed bag of songs, and very different to their previous albums. I bought it for my sister recently, but have found myself listening to it just as much as her, if not more! There are a lot of slow tracks which aren't really to my taste, although I've been listening to the lyrics much more because of this and some of them are really deep and meaningful, for example, 'The Nurse' could alienate some at first due to it's strange composition, but the lyrics, describing how easy it is for those who are close to you to betray you are fantastic.
My favourite songs on the album include 'My Doorbell' and 'The Denial Twist', both really fun and funky piano tracks, and 'Take, Take, Take' which is similar but stands out for me due to the witty story told in the lyrics!
'Take, Take, Take' from Get Behind Me Satan

In other news, study leave has ended and it's back to school again. Coursework, only about a month since the last piece was completed, beckons once again.

Boredom induces typing

2005-06-12T22:01:00.000Z

It's the last day of my study leave and I've officially ran out of things to do. A few days ago I could have worked on my Beck painting, but its finished now, and I can't scan it in to submit to http://blossomcrown.deviantart.com/ because the oil paint is still wet. *sigh*

In my boredom I came across this really funny Star Wars Episode 3 parody - give it a read if you have time!
I've also been listening to lots of music. Today I've been listening to my 'Best of Beck' playlist due to newly awakened interest (see last entry) but everyone knows about him. Favourite song of the moment has to be Black Tambourine, as it's great to dance to!

One of my favourite bands at the moment are The Decemberists. I think they're pretty well known in America but unheard of here in the UK, so thank goodness for the internet! I'd describe their music as whimsical indie-pop - they use a variety of instruments to create the epic worlds described through their lyrics, which usually tell stories through the eyes of interesting characters - For example, 'Leslie Anne Levine' is the lament of a dead girl and 'The Sporting Life' the story of an athlete. Their music is often themed to sound like it's from the past, e.g on a pirate ship! They're not for everyone, but give them a try if you like the sound of them.

The Legionnaire's Lament - from Castaways and Cutouts
The Engine Driver - from Picaresque

Jools Holland 10 June

2005-06-11T16:53:00.000Z

First time blogging, so I'll see what I can do.
I doubt this blog will be of any interest to anyone other than me - I just wanted a place to rant and rave about my current interests and thoughts. So I'll get started...

I watched Beck on 'Later... with Jools Holland' last night. How gorgeous is that man? (Beck, not Jools - he looks like my old aunt Shiela). It's hard to believe he's 34 (I think) and with a son, he looks about 23. It was great being able to hear/see the spectacle that is 'Clap Hands' as I'm unable to go to any of the dates on his UK tour. All the percussion caused by the cutlery and other table pieces reminded me of STOMP, those people who dance around making noises with garbage cans and sweeping brushes! We had to watch endless videos of STOMP during music at school.
The questions Jools asked Beck have already been asked a million times before though - I'm sure everyone knows what the album title means by now, and that he has a son! But I digress.

The other artists on the show weren't too bad either, as I managed to endure the whole show without flicking over channels. Doves were good, if a little bland, Plantlife were crazy but quite amusing, the saxophonist was really cool (don't often see them on tv) and the others kind of blended into one another. Well worth staying up for though. I'll probably do it again next week, if the rest of the family won't complain too much about being kept awake...

Now for the best part, music! This is a song that I can't help singing and dancing along to like a loony at the moment - 'Tropical Iceland' - Fiery Furnaces
The Fiery Furnaces are a fantastically fresh and original band, I'd recommend them to anyone who likes their Indie 'quirky' and piano/synthesiser heavy.