Wednesday, May 16, 2012

AIDEN GRIMSHAW: IS THIS LOVE


It's inevitable these days that those who progress on The X Factor will probably have some stab at a music career following their 15 minutes of fame, some more successfully than others.

Following his somewhat early departure from the show, Aiden Grimshaw kept quite a low profile, working hard on material in the 2 years since, and didn't take the usual route of churning out something whilst he was still vaguely fresh in the short-term memory of reality TV followers.

He has maintained a core group of loyal supporters, all believing that his talent, whilst not right for The X Factor, definitely had something to offer. I have kept a keen ear to the ground myself, as I really liked the tone of his voice, and his slightly quirky style. I was glad to hear that a single was finally on the cards.

Is This Love is Aiden's first single, and it's not at all what most would have expected, but I think that's a positive thing that can only benefit his career in the long term. Fans might have expected a very indie/acoustic sound from Aiden, but, seeing as singer/songwrirters are in abundance at the moment, and the fact that it didn't work so well for Matt Cardle, his choice to go down a more of a drum'n'bass route on this track is probably wise.

The single is good, actually, really good, and Aiden sounds great on it. It's certainly a song that could stand amongst other established acts today on its own merit. It has moments quite reminiscent of Bloc Party. It's fresh and exciting, but at the same time, the lyrics still maintain some of that 'intensity' that Aiden was famed for - "there's a fiery eye in the middle of the dark sea, and it's pulling me down and I can't breathe". Set for release on June 3rd, it's perfectly timed to be a big Summer hit. 

The video is dramatic and full of raw emotion, and only features a brief appearance from Aiden himself...maybe an attempt to distance himself from the X Factor stigma?

I hope this single is well received and that we get to hear a lot more from Aiden. I'm very excited to hear what sound his album, Misty Eye, will have. More please! 

Friday, May 11, 2012

KITTY PRYDE: OKAY CUPID

We all know that the internet can churn out some bizarre musical offerings every now and again...(Friday and Chocolate Rain, anyone?) But sometimes it gives us a little gem that makes us sit up and take note.

Currently stirring up interest on the web is Kitty Pryde and her video for her song "Okay Cupid". Love it or hate it, you can't deny there's definitely something there. Yeah, yeah, some of the lyrics are cheesy...but I think that's half of what makes the song so great, and she definitely has great flow! She kinda reminds me of Peaches.

So what do you think?


Thursday, May 10, 2012

BEN HOWARD LIVE LOUNGE: CALL ME MAYBE


I love a bit of Ben Howard. 
I love a bit of Carly Rae Jepsen.

I really love Ben Howard's cover of Call Me Maybe!


Wednesday, May 02, 2012

APRIL SOUNDS


It's been a while since my last post, so to get my creative juices flowing again I thought I'd just do a quick update on what I've been listening to lately.

April was quite a mixed bag music wise! I went to my local record store to celebrate Record Store Day
and picked up some oldies but goodies, some Beatles, Sonic Youth and some Elvis. I re-visited my teenage years and listened to some old Death Cab For Cutie and Laura Marling stuff....and the boyband loving fangirl inside me indulged in my little guilty pleasure, One Direction. (Please don't leave!) And on those brief sunny intervals, I liked having some soothing Bon Iver and Bombay Bicycle Club on in the car as I cruised about.

I'm not really loving what's on the radio lately, although that Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe song is embedded in my brain at the moment....hopefully the summer will bring with it some great music!

April Albums:
Sonic Youth - Screaming Fields of Sonic Love
The Beatles - Help!
Death Cab For Cutie - Plans
Elvis - Elvis 75 The King is Born
One Direction - Up All Night
Bombay Bicycle Club - A Different Kind of Fix
Laura Marling - Alas I Cannot Swim

Friday, March 16, 2012

REPRESENTING UK AT SXSW

SXSW is upon us once again, and if you're anything like me, you're watching and reading about the next big things sat on the sofa in your fluffy slippers, not brushing shoulders with the bands over in Austin, Texas.

Various British bands have made the hop over the pond for the occasion, all showing the world how we do it in the good old United Kingdom.

Here are a few of my favourites currently representing us over there.

NORTHERN IRELAND

CASHIER No 9
Representing Northern Ireland, these boys have been compared to everyone from The Beach Boys to The Stone Roses and described as "eclectic, layered, guitar-jangling country-laced pop" make of that what you will!

THE WONDER VILLAINS


Bringing their own take on electro-pop to Texas. This young band is bound to catch everyone's attention with their catchy tunes, but I'm guessing most will be too cool to jump up and down to such songs as "33".  

WALES

SKINDRED
They've been given numerous accolades in their time, as well as earning praise from the likes of Kerrang as being one of the best live acts in Britain.

SIÔN RUSSELL JONES
I would say he's got a bit of Ed Sheeran about him, but then some people might see that as an insult, so I'll just say he's really, very good.

ENGLAND


SLOW CLUB
Slow Club have become my ipod's new best friend. I just seem to have them on replay lately. Hopefully they will have as big an impact on the rest of the world as they have had on me! Signed to label Moshi Moshi, which boasts others such as The Drums, Bloc Party and Clock Opera.

CRYSTAL FIGHTERS
Formed around an insane Grandfather's half finished opera manuscript....you just have to check them out.

SCOTLAND

TANGO IN THE ATTIC

In their own words, they "play an energetic style of offbeat pop music", and very lovely it is too!

FRENCH WIVES

Yet more indie-pop here by French Wives,  I can't seem to get enough! Lead singer Stuart's voice is just lush.

Enjoy!

Monday, March 12, 2012

MASTERS IN FRANCE - FALL DOWN


We all love a freebie, right? Even more so when that freebie is a cracking new song from the band Masters In France.

These lovely boys from North Wales have made their track Fall Down available to download from their website (Click Here)

Have a listen to more of their gorgeous indie-pop below.

MAD HATTER

LITTLE GIRL

Like what you hear? The band are currently on a tour of the UK, so catch them while you can.


Sunday, March 11, 2012

SUMMER'S ON THE WAY

There's nothing like a bit of good music to give me those Summer vibes (Yes, I am aware it's only March!)

Beach House are back with their newest offerings since their 2010 LP Teen Dream. They have announced that their new album will be called Bloom, and is due for release in May.

The song Myth from said album is streaming online already, have a listen below and let me know what you think!


If you can make it, they also have a couple of gigs in Brighton and London on May 23rd and 24th.

Enjoy!

Monday, March 05, 2012

INTERNET FINDS

I often find that when I'm looking at cat videos on YouTube or stalking celebs on Twitter, I unexpectedly come across an amazing song. Always when I least expect it.

So here's what I've been listening/watching on YouTube recently.

YUKSEK - OFF THE WALL

This is a visual as well as an aural treat. Just the thing to brighten up your dull Monday morning!

LYMBYC SYSTYM - NARITA

A good daydreaming song, with a beautiful video.

FUN - WE ARE YOUNG 

Don't judge me, but I found out about Fun. through watching Glee. That doesn't take away from the fact that this is a bloody good song, and features the lovely Janelle Monáe.

METRIC - BLACK SHEEP

Having re-watched Scott Pilgrim vs The World again recently, I haven't stopped listening to this song ever since. 

JOHN CALE - MYFANWY

I came across this gem of a video of John Cale of The Velvet Underground singing one of my favourite songs, the old Welsh song 'Myfanwy'. Beautiful. 

This has cheered up my Monday a right treat.


Friday, February 03, 2012

NICE SUPRISES

I don't know about you guys, but sometimes I feel like I can go for a period of time where nothing on the radio tickles my fancy, or gets me excited musically. These past two weeks has been one of those lovely ones where I'm just inundated with nice noises in my ears.

Here's what's been getting my toes a tappin' lately.

GOTYE - SOMEBODY THAT I USED TO KNOW (FEAT KIMBRA)


When I first heard this song, I was convinced I must be tuned in to my local radio station's usual offerings of a bit of 80's classics. I was delightfully surprised that it was, in fact, this tune by Gotye. I love his sound on this track, it simultaneously sounds familiar yet new. Also loving the fierce sounding Kiwi, Kimbra on this record. I will definitely be doing my research on her!

MADEON - POP CULTURE


I heard Chris Moyles raving about this SEVENTEEN year old French producer when he first played his song Icarus. Further research led me to this mashu-up on his YouTube channel and I was just blown away. This much talent in a 17 year old is just plain ridiculous!

BAND OF SKULLS - BRUISES


I just love how this song goes from soft to POW! And that chorus isn't going to get out of my head any time soon...better not put away the air guitar just yet.

What songs have you discovered lately?

Happy Friday
x

Friday, January 27, 2012

ED SHEERAN - DRUNK


A lovely looking Ed Sheeran and lots of cats.....what is not to love about Ed's new video for his single 'Drunk'?

Happy Friday!