Track Of the Week

This weeks track of the week is split between two songs becasue I honestly couldn't decide; it's shared between Florence and the Machine's 'What the Water Gave Me' and Red Hot Chilli Peppers' new track 'The Adventures of Raindance Maggie' which see's both artists return on top form.
'What the Water Gave Me' is a song that builds and builds until it soars into pure genius at the end with her trademark powerful vocals and harp but with a slightly earthier and grimier sound with more guiatrs than usual. A beautiful song that easily gets you moving to it and I can't wait to hear the rest of her new album.
'The Adventures of Raindance Maggie' is another classic Chilli's tune with an intoxicating chorus and fantastic guitar and bass work and the usual nonsensical lyrics. A great easy rock song to humm away to even if the video is a bit dubious with a little too much facial hair.

 

Super 8 Film Review

For those unaware Super 8 is a retro sci-fi fest set in the late 70's in a small town with a big alien problem. The basic plot revolves around a group of teens on their quest to make their own creature feature and their discovery of an alien menace that gets released from a train crash...obviously. 

 There is no denying the fact that this film is cleverly written; it's witty, surprisingly funny and jam packed with references to all the Spielberg classics (except Jaws unfortunately) which gives the whole film a distinctly nostalgic feel. The actors perform brilliantly, especially the younger ones who exceeded all expectations and the characters had a surprising amount of emotional depth; you actually cared about what happened to them. But for all of the films good points, of which there are many, something felt lacking. When I think about it I'm left with no distinct impression of it; for all it's stunning visual effects and wit I'm left feeling nonplussed. Perhaps I'm simply the wrong audience for it or  maybe it was too wrapped up in the past which left it slightly stale either way it didn't wow me. 

Also just as a warning, for all of it's advertisement this film is not a creature feature. It's not about the alien at all really but instead about growing up and peoples ability to come together during hard times, forgive each other and move on to which the alien is really only the catalyst. So if you're wanting to watch a film about aliens or monsters this isn't it; this is a human tale. 

All in all this film is good and I would honestly recommend it to all sci-fi lovers for which it is undoubtedly a treat but for others maybe it's not the best option. 

Also look out for the kid's film at the end which was personally my favourite part of the film!

Track Of The Week

This weeks track goes to The Horrors with their hypnotic 'Still Life'. This is a spaced out and entrancing 80's sounding song that I have recently fallen in love with! The looping chorus truly makes this song and it slowly builds and builds into a song that you could happily listen to for hours on end. A fantastic song that shows that alternative music doesn't all have to be loud power chords and riffs.

Track Of The Week & Album Review

This track may have been released last week but I have been unable to post on my blog recently due to family holidays in corners of Cornwall which have thoroughly  refused to join the 21st Century and have wifi, however this song is still one of the best recent releases. This weeks track goes to Arctic Monkeys' 'Hellcat Spangled Shalalala' the latest single of their 4th album 'Suck It And See'. This song lives up to it's title opening with spangly guitars before being pulled back down with the earthy base and held together with Alex Turner's wonderfully witty lyrics.
 This song is indicative of their whole album. It's bursting with layers of different sounds and riffs which whilst being often complicated and intricate are not inaccessible to listeners, indeed they rather draw you into the record. Turners' charming lyrics hold this record together and, whilst not always being that easy to understand, are none the less beautifully crafted, intoxicating and pure northern genius! It also has a distinctly retro vibe which instead of seeming dated or unoriginal draws inspiration from the past whilst creating something innovative and fresh.
In short this album is beyond increible! When you listen to it you feel like you're hearing something momentous; something akin to a masterpiece. It's closely linked to previous albums with the punch of their first two, the confident crooning of the third and the skill that comes with experience and age without any of the things that've hampered them in the past such as the impersonal lyrics of 'Humbug'. It seems like within this album the band has rediscovered their humour and lightened up which has allowed their music to evolve into it's full potential.
I sincerely recommend this album to anyone who appreciates alternative rock/ any rock at all. It's a treat to listen to and is one of my all time favourite albums.

Horrible Histories Latest Series

Ok, so just to be clear on this before you read the rest of this post, I haven't gone mental or regressed to a child but one of the best programmes on TV has been the hilarious Horrible Histories! They are currently airing their  third series and with each new forray into the historical backwaters that the history books prefer to gloss over it becomes more and more wonderful.
This show is not just for kids. Bursting with witty sketchs and rib achingly funny comedic performances from the entire cast; this series needs to be watched by all!
My personal highlight of the series are the fabulously silly yet downright genius songs which are, if you pardon the pun, as catchy as the plague and will having you singing along with the like of Charles the 2nd and Dick Turpin the Highwayman.
The latest series is on every Tuesday afternoon on CBBC or you can find them all on Iplayer and their spin off series hosted by Steven Fry instead of the annoying rat is on every Sunday on BBC1.
Below is the dangerously funny Dick Turpin/parody of Adam Ants 'Highwayman' song; enjoy!

Track Of The Week

So this week's instalment goes to Mona with 'Shooting The Moon'. This song has grown on me from one that I wouldn't necessarily leave on if it popped up on the music channels to one I actively seek out. The more you listen to it the more intoxicating the chorus becomes and the more you love it!

Track Of The Week

This weeks track goes to the mighty White Lies with 'Holy Ghost'. I will admit I'm not the most biased person when it comes to this band because they are still the best band I have seen live to date so when they release a new single it's no surprise it will then become my track of the week. However speaking purely as an indie lover this song is good! It's got their trademark moody lyrics and ominously deep singing as well as some beautifully distorted bass. Hope you like it!

Track Of The Week

This weeks track goes to Foster The People with 'Pumped Up Kicks'. I literally only learnt of this bands existence two days ago when I heard this song being played at 1:30 in the morning on NME and since then I can't stop playing it. I love it. It's a quirky and distinctive song that loops around and has the ability to just make you feel completely chilled out and happy. A perfect song to listen to whilst trying to wind down after your exams are finally done and you have a whole summer in which to revel in, or in a slightly less specific scenario, if you just want a happy song!

New Video and Album Release

This week has quite honestly been huge for alternative music fans. Not only has there been new videos released from the mighty Kings Of Leon but also a so called 'career defining' albums by many critics from the equally huge Arctic Monkeys. In short lots to make an indie girl happy!
King's new video is a sweet video for a sentimental song which works well without being too over the top as some of there others have been. And Arctic's new album seems set to elevate the band even higher into rock royalty with the amazing single 'Don't Sit Down 'Cos I've Moved Your Chair' and the beautiful 'Piledriver Waltz' from Submarine's soundtrack.
They've also released tour dates for November so why not go see them in an arena probably not near you at all.

KINGS OF LEON LIVE REVIEW! (&The Whigs)

So dear blog readers that momentous day that seemed as if it were never going to happen has happened; I have seen the mighty Kings Of Leon live! After seemingly endless problems dating back to the age old issue that affects us all; your tour bus catching fire on the day of your gig at the O2 Arena in London meaning that there isn't enough time for safety checks and therefore a postponement to a seemingly perfect date after all exams have been sat, then a change of date into right in the middle of exam season. Followed by a few months of worrying that you'll be unable to go to one of your dream gigs before the realisation that the newest date is within half term and you can go to that Kings of Leon ball after all! It truly has been a long lead up to this gig, probably over a year, so I guess all that remained to be seen was if the gig could be worth it all...And it sure was!
On Wednesday we set off for London feeling a mixture of excitement and paranoia that something else would go wrong. After hours of predictable traffic and unpredictable satnav we reached the O2 at about 1pm and spent the next five and a half hours loitering by entrance D because we wanted to get as near the front as we could and knew that would only happen with hours of queuing. Honestly the excitement that built up is indescribable and I can only say that it felt more physical than emotional as I couldn't keep still and it just kept growing especially when we heard the sound checks.
However all of our waiting was to little avail. At about 6:45 (quarter of an hour after doors had opened) and with no sign of any line or way of getting into the actual venue we clocked that something had gone wrong. After asking a lovely O2 man we were helpfully informed, much too late, that for entrance D we have to go to entrance F. Upon arrival at entrance F we crushingly saw that there were already a few hundred people lined up; all that waiting had been for nothing.
Or so it seemed. After getting into the main venue we made a bee line straight for the stage and were amazed at how many people went to the bar and toilets which meant that we ended up four people back from the very front!
 After an excruciating wait the support band took to the stage in front of 1/3 of the audience as most people didn't arrive until much much later. That support band was The Whigs.
 Nope I hadn't heard of them either.
They came on and started up a grungy wall of sound which was fairly accessible to start of with. The front man had an amazing leg dance which everyone should witness just to brighten your day. He hopped about on one leg and played his guitar as if it were a gun with each chord he played a bullet firing into the crowd as he jerked back with each strum. Some of their songs were also quite catchy and had some of the crowd bobbing along to, although I'm unsure as to whether that was because of the music they played or the audiences excitement and willingness to participate because of the main attraction that was to come. The highlight of their set was when the singer/guitarist played the keyboard and the bassist took over the guitar and they played a slower more tuneful song with intricate guitar work. However if I am brutally honest, they left absolutely no impression. I didn't find their songs original or catchy; some were ok but their set was far from great. In fact on numerous occasions I just wished they'd finish already so Kings would come on and that is the main thing a support band has to fight against. Bands like White Lies are perfect examples of bands that have achieved this as they've supported Muse and soon Kings as well but there is something about their performance that makes an audience that has no real desire to see them enjoy the experience and Whigs did not do that at all. In places the performance was self indulgent and misjudged. All in all I wouldn't recommend them as a band to see, there are much worse bands to be sure but there are also so many better.

Next after an incredible short interval where the stage was set and excitement reached a fever pitch those music idols the Followills sauntered on stage and with no mumbled awkward greetings they simply picked up their instruments and played a string of three heavier songs ('Four Kicks', 'Spiral Staircase' & 'The Bucket') to get the crowd going and boy did we go. Everyone went wild jumping, screaming and chanting the words along with the band making it clear we were with them completely, this also coincidentally pushed me even further forward until I was just three people back form the very front. The arena also filled up as soon as people heard the music blaring out like a siren call and almost everyone with seats were up on their feet as well. They couldn't have gotten a more positive response.
During those first three songs I had an epiphany of sorts. The realisation finally hit me; I was actually seeing Kings Of Leon live! The first band I'd ever truly got into myself with no encouragement from adults or peers years previously and now here they were a few feet away playing the songs I love so much. That happiness that courses through you is like a wild fire which burns all worries, insecurities and niggling thoughts away and makes you euphoric.

Throughout the rest of the gig they played a genius set with the perfect blend of new songs and the majority of older ones which kept everyone happy, the new fans who didn't know their old material and the loyal fans who'd listened to them for years. Each song was expertly played and not only replicated from the recording but enhanced and accentuated; they are an incredible band live! Woking as one unit they not only played to the crowd but played with the crowd and after seeing them live it's clear why they are as successful as they are; there is something different about them. They have something indescribable about them which sets them apart from so many other bands and this is highlighted when they play live. So many groups are not as good live as the recording but if anything it's the inverse with Kings, when you see them live the true depth and power of their songs are released.

Caleb also chatted charmingly with the crowd and they all came across as likeable people which completely brushed aside any past inferences from the media that they were divaish or highly strung; they all seemed like decent guys who cared about the gig.
After playing an extraordinarily long set of 21 songs they finally left the stage after much slightly camp but very sweet waving only for the crowd to scream for their reappearance which unsurprisingly happened a few moments later. As they took to the stage again they played the elephant in the room, so to speak, of 'Sex On Fire'. The crowd went even wilder and it really showed the anthem power of their songs that are accessible to so many thousands of people. However whilst this song was great it was not my favourite song by far, there were many more I preferred because out of all of their music 'Sex On Fire' is not the best. They have so many songs that overshadow this one but it is this one that is infamous. Personally my song of the gig was 'On Call' a single from their third album and the first song that got me into the band and when they played it the whole crowd chanted it back and it was just a magical moment.

The band also surprisingly played another song after 'Sex On Fire' and a much less well known one of 'Black Thumbnail' which is one of their older songs notoriously loved by older fans and I think this was a nod to those in the crowd who have followed them before the success of 'Only By The Night'.

So enough twittering. I think you get my main point and I just hope this didn't come across to sycophantic. In all simplicity I just want to say that they are by far the best band I have seen and I would recommend them without a shadow of a doubt; it was better than I could've ever hoped!

Track of the Week

This weeks track goes to Cage The Elephant with one of their older songs 'Back Against The Wall'. It's a great rock song with an incredibly catchy chorus that has been amazingly helpful getting me through exam stress although the video is odd; there's no denying it. Their also touring currently so if you like them why not see them live?

Jelaca

One of my school friends started a Youtube channel a while ago where she records herself singing versions of well known songs and the product are charming covers that will inevitably bring some cheer into your day. She has a beautiful retro tone to her voice, similar to that of Amy Winehouse and Paloma Faith, and her songs are always a delight to listen to.
What she does is incredibly brave and self expression in it's purest form; she sings because she loves singing and to release emotions which is surely the point of music. Please check out her youtube channel (I've put the link below) and I hope you like it!
She also needs votes for a talent competition so please follow this link and vote for her! http://www.1click2fame.com/competitors/jelaca
Oh and I know this post is a shameless plug but at least it's a shameless plug for real talent.



http://www.youtube.com/user/Jelaca100

Track of the Week

Although this song may be a few years old I haven't been able to stop listening to it (along with Suede's incredible back catalogue). The song is 'Can't Stand Me Now' by The Libertines. It's a song about the breaking down of a relationship written during a tenuous time for the band members and it's that brutal honesty that makes this song so great; it's accessible to anyone. Everyone can relate to this song's content and the music is perfect; it's a legendary indie track.

Suede 'Animal Nitrate'

So I don't just want to celebrate current music in this blog but rather reference some older indie music that has inspired and shaped the world of independent music today and one band that can only be accused of being highly influential is Suede. Their ambiguous shock anthem of 'Animal Nitrate' was a huge hit and is one of the world's most famous indie songs. This is a band who simply did what they wanted to play and didn't bother with corporate plans, strategies or over thinking the music; indie at it's best! Since then countless bands have been inspired not only by their music but by their whole attitude and they are an integral part of the history of alternative music.

Track of the Week

This weeks track goes Two Door Cinema Club with their new single 'Something Good Can Work'. It's another chirpy feel good song full of their trademark high pitched guitar and catchy riffs. Simply a great song from a great album which will bring a smile to your face and a spring in your step as it plays in your head throughout the day.

Track Of The Week

This week's track goes to The Wombats with 'Anti-D'. It's an interesting song that’s unique in its simplicity; it doesn't build up to huge crescendos but rather revels in its understated beauty. Revolving entirely around the lyrics and vocals that are helped along by the drums, guitar and symphony undertones which accentuate the emotions perfectly.
The first thing that caught my attention in this song were the clever lyrics where he sings to “Please allow me to be your anti-depressant. I too am prescribed as freely as any decongestant". Then after listening to it a few more times (well maybe non-stop for a few days...) the whole song comes together to reveal the true genius of it!

Your Highness Film Review

So in a much more successful foray to the cinema this week I saw the latest comedic offering from David Gorden Green, the director behind the brilliant Pineapple Express; so my expectations were naturally high, no pun intended. This film had so much promise; a host of talented actors such as James Franco, Danny McBride and Natalie Portman, a seemingly huge budget which not enough comedies have and, as previously mentioned, created and directed by the same people who brought one of my favourite comedy films ever into this world.

The big question however is if the film lived up to its own potential and if I'm brutally honest it didn't. It wasn't nearly as good as it could've been but conversely it wasn't terrible either as many reviews have made it out to be. It's been labelled as crass and crude but that's what it's meant to be; unashamedly stupid. You don't go to a film like this expecting to have your thoughts provoked or ideas challenged. It exists to be watched whilst using absolutely no brain power and to laugh at idiotic characters and plots; which it does.
It doesn't have as much wit, if any, behind any of the humour or layers of comedy which would elevate it from an idiotic medieval stoner film to a genuinely great comedy but it is fairly entertaining and makes for very easy watching. The tale doesn't increase and evolve into a hilarious crescendo like it did in Pineapple Express but there are a few laugh out loud moments, maybe not enough, but they are there.

The best thing about this film, for me, was James Franco hilarious parody of the perfect, perky Prince Fabious and I would recommend this film to someone who simply wants to relax and release their inner child to laugh at all of the euphemisms, of which there are plenty. However I can say without a shadow of a doubt that  there are definitely other comedies I would recommend over this because it did somewhat miss the mark. 

Track of the Week

This week's track goes to Arctic Monkey's shock release of their first single from their fourth album 'Suck It and See' which is called 'Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair'.  To cut to the chase I love this song! It's, as usual for the Arctic's, characterised by Alex Turner's effortlessly witty lyrics which when coupled with their innovative yet timeless rock music makes for some incredible songs. I cannot wait for their album as they seem to be truly back on rocking form!

Sucker Punch Film Review

So I recently saw Sucker Punch. I know it doesn't really seem like my type of film but sometimes events conspire to force you to broaden your horizons and watch something you usually wouldn't. Although the before mentioned events were a mix up with tickets (we were originally going to see 'Source Code') and a complete and utter lack of using our eyes on said tickets where we managed to successfully read the screen, time and seat but not the incorrect name of the film that we were going to see. We were therefore thoroughly surprised when, after sitting through the adverts, the BBFC informed us that we were in fact about to watch 'Sucker Punch', a film neither of us had been particularly interested in seeing.
However realising that the mishap was almost exclusively our fault and laughing in hysterics, much to the displeasure of our fellow cinema goers, at our own idiocy we decided we may as well watch it. Having decided this we watched it with an open mind and hoped that maybe this utter fail of going to the cinema would maybe reward us with a surprising treat of a great film we wouldn't have seen otherwise.
We were wrong.
I did not like this film; at all. For starters the plot was overly complicated, not in an interesting thought provoking way but in a lets just find an excuse to dress our characters as sluttily as possible and make them fight anything we want under the guise of a coherent narrative. I'm still not entirely sure what was happening, I think it was a delusion within a delusion that all took place in a 1950's mental health institution. Simple right?
Aside from the plot that had huge consistency errors there was the fact that the film all revolved around a completely unlikable and bland protagonist of 'Baby Doll'. You were watching her fight for freedom but had absolutely no emotional investment in the story at all. All of the characters were stereotypical and uninteresting with the few vaguely entertaining ones being killed or not having much screen time at all.
Oh and then, best of all, there were the CGI heavy, action sequences where 'Baby Doll' escapes to (and obtains the necessary items to ensure their escape) when she has to dance in the brothel that is also a delusion to escape the horror of the asylum. See such an accessible storyline. I dreaded these action sequences. They dragged on and on and had no real reason behind them at all but to get girls wearing not a lot to wield huge weapons and kill everything all under the most strenuous of metaphors. Every time I tried to interpret meaning and uncover depth to this film I came up with nothing. To be fair they were beautifully choreographed and had some visionary sequences within but even the most well made fights mean nothing if there is not an interesting enough plot for them to be part of.
Admittedly I am not the target audience of this film being a teenage girl but I can appreciate good films whether they are aimed at men or women but the best films surely have a mix of both and are universal. I think this film can only be enjoyed if you possess the Y chromosome, however saying that my friend, who is the target audience, also thoroughly disliked it. This film could be said to be empowering to women as it revolves completely around female characters but their portrayal within it is to be objectified and idolised by men instead of being viewed as real people.
So all in all I would surprisingly not recommend this film unless you are an archetypal man who just wants to see scantily clad women kill things.

Submarine Film Review

'Submarine' is the much acclaimed coming-of-age comedy which is the directorial debut of 'The ITCrowd's' Richard Ayoade. Going to see it yesterday I had huge expectations; it's directed by a superbly funny actor, has had rave reviews and the soudntrack has been created by 'Arctic Monkey's' Alex Turner so would therefore surely be fantastic. And since watching it I can happily say that my mammoth expectations weren't let down at all.

It was thoroughly charming and did something that not nearly enough films do lately; revelled in the sheer beauty of film. The filmmaking process by it's nature provides countless opportunities to create art through developing  new and dynamic ways of portraying limitless characters, places, themes and stories and what makes a film truly great is when the film makers explore these possibilities which is exactly what this film does. No shot is wasted or thoughtlessly used. It's reminiscent of French art house films and is distinctly 60's-esque and if I had to compare it to another film maker’s work I would say its most like Wes Anderson's.
The protagonist is wonderfully odd and the narrative follows his first relationship with the pyromaniac Jordana Beavens and his quest to be the best boyfriend ever and keep his parents lacklustre relationship together. The whole film is sublimely weird and focuses on a sub section of society of beautifully eccentric people which is made by the brilliant performances, not just from the young stars, but from the whole cast. Especially from the actors who play Oliver's parents who ground the film and allow every ounce of humour to be extracted from each scene.

Quite simply I love this film; it's beautiful, touching, witty and quirky. I would recommend this film to anyone who likes different and interesting films.

Also as a side note the soundtrack to this film is astounding and perfectly accentuates the scenes it's used in as well as being great songs in their own right and are definitely worth listening to.