This weeks instalment is unsurprisingly biased with three out of five from White Lies because after seeing them I cannot cease listening to them as they were so incredible.
'Bad Love'-White Lies
A brilliant, if slightly disturbing song about, as eloquently summed up by the song name, bad love with a catchy chorus and comprised of many layers of undertones and sounds but held together by the powerful drums and bass.
'Strangers'-White Lies
Another song off their fantastic new album which was one of the highlights of their set on Wednesday. It's incredible accessible and will have you singing along during your first listen and full of their usual themes such as love.
'Spanish Sahara'-Foals
A beautiful tender song that starts of slow then builds up slowly and is simply incredible.
'Blinding'-Florence +The Machine
A simple song but expertly done as her voice is so powerful that it draws you in and fits the music perfectly.
'Holy Ghost'-White Lies
The most noticeable aspect of this song is the fuzzy bass that blends brilliantly with Harry's deep voice and this song is just genius.
Showing posts with label Foals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Foals. Show all posts
Saturday, 12 February 2011
Saturday, 29 January 2011
5 Songs Whirring Round My Head This Week
I've had an Indie week and below are the 5 laid back songs that have been my most played this week.
Foals with 'Hummer'
Anyone who has read this blog in any depth will know that I am fan of Foals unique brand of 'antipop' and this week I acquired their first album and one of the tracks that stood out from the Oxford quintets fantastic début (which I highly recommend as well as their most recent record) is their first single 'Hummer' which was released in 2007. Quirky and unashamedly different; a great track.
Florence + The Machine with 'Drumming'
Not surprisingly led by the throbbing and hypnotic drums representing the inescapable pull love can have on you and accompanied by Florence Welch's powerful and recognisable voice singing beautiful lyrics, both in this song and on her whole Brit winning album it's simply a brilliant song.
Band Of Skulls with 'Patterns'
An unusual fairly unknown band, who as I've said previously sound most like a combination of White Stripes and Kings Of Leon, I also recently got their album 'Baby Darling Doll Face Honey'. It's a genius record and this song combines brilliant performances form both singers voices and some great riffs.
Bombay Bicycle Club with 'Always Like This'
This is their first single off their 2009 album 'I Had The Blues But I shook Them Lose' and this song is a sweet tender track from a laid back band. The video below is also brilliant.
Friendly Fires with 'Kiss Of Life'
'Kiss Of Life' is a feel good song which combines traditional samba drums mixed with electronic undertones and is a song that surprises you with how much you like it. The video also has some amazing dancing.
Foals with 'Hummer'
Anyone who has read this blog in any depth will know that I am fan of Foals unique brand of 'antipop' and this week I acquired their first album and one of the tracks that stood out from the Oxford quintets fantastic début (which I highly recommend as well as their most recent record) is their first single 'Hummer' which was released in 2007. Quirky and unashamedly different; a great track.
Florence + The Machine with 'Drumming'
Not surprisingly led by the throbbing and hypnotic drums representing the inescapable pull love can have on you and accompanied by Florence Welch's powerful and recognisable voice singing beautiful lyrics, both in this song and on her whole Brit winning album it's simply a brilliant song.
Band Of Skulls with 'Patterns'
An unusual fairly unknown band, who as I've said previously sound most like a combination of White Stripes and Kings Of Leon, I also recently got their album 'Baby Darling Doll Face Honey'. It's a genius record and this song combines brilliant performances form both singers voices and some great riffs.
Bombay Bicycle Club with 'Always Like This'
This is their first single off their 2009 album 'I Had The Blues But I shook Them Lose' and this song is a sweet tender track from a laid back band. The video below is also brilliant.
Friendly Fires with 'Kiss Of Life'
'Kiss Of Life' is a feel good song which combines traditional samba drums mixed with electronic undertones and is a song that surprises you with how much you like it. The video also has some amazing dancing.
Friday, 31 December 2010
Top 5 Artists of 2010
1-Kings Of Leon
My top artist of the year without a doubt. After the global success of their previous album 'Only By The Night' the pressure really was on with their latest album. They had to deliver an album that needed to not alienate new fans or old; so in short create something that stays true to their style but still produces hits that would be similar to previous ones. However if too many songs were like 'Sex on Fire' then they would be accused of selling out and if they were no hits then they would loose all their new fans. A real challenge.
But a challenge they rose to. Their latest album doesn't feel contrive or like they were trying to create another 'Only By The Night' but made a record that they could be proud of. It's most reminiscent of 'Because Of The Times' their third album but is more laid back and chilled out. It's simply a great album that fits in beautifully with their other work and a welcome addition to their catalogue of great albums.
Reaching number one in numerous countries they are indeed mainstream but have achieved this success at no loss to the music; the mainstream has come to them not the other way round. They've been incredibly successful but shouldn't be persecuted for that as it's just a testament to their music, even if their videos leave a lot to be desired.
Their new album coupled with extensive touring and performing to their usual high standard makes them my top artist of 2010.
2-Biffy Clyro
With the release of their fifth album in late 2009 with 'Only Revolutions' Biffy are another example of an alternative rock band that has almost inexplicably found itself in the mainstream. Reaching number three in the UK charts it was their most successful album to date. Backing up this fantastic album they've been touring for almost the whole year performing to thousands and it's a true testament to the band that they can fill arenas with their unique brand of rock which can often be fairly heavy and inaccessible to many people but that they've still managed to translate.
Breaking almost all conventions and staying true to their music they've had their most successful year and have rocked 2010.
3-Foals
As well as celebrating bands that have made it big some of my top bands are ones that have only just started. Foals released their second studio album 'Total Life Forever' in May of this year and produced a brilliant record. Following their first ambitious album they've created a tender and complex record with many different facets; powered by their drums with explosions of guitars and strings.
I've heard Foals described as anti-pop and I agree, they don't try to fit the norm, however you do sometimes feel that they try a little too hard to be different but this album in nonetheless one of my favourite this year. Short-listed for the Mercury Prize Foals have proved that the initial buzz about this Oxford quintet was well deserved.
4-Young Guns
Another less well known band in my top five is Young Guns who released their début album earlier this year and produced a beast of a rock record. For a band so young they've been incredibly successful and have been championed by Kerrang since their EP 'Mirrors' was released last year. Their album is a conventional rock album but has a tenderness at the heart of it surrounded by the crashing drums and wailing guitars and I think it's that which makes this album so good and the band so accessible.
They've also been touring throughout the year and played a surprisingly well received set at Reading and Leeds festival to thousands.
This year has thrust them into their sort of fame and all that remains to be seen is if they can continue growing and creating more great albums.
5-My Chemical Romance
Four years after the release of their previous album 'The Black Parade' My Chem are back with their new album 'Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys' and with it they've revolutionised their whole aesthetic. Instead of being depressive and emo-esque now they're colourful and just a little poppy and sound like they're having the most fun they've had on an album. Being played constantly it's obvious most of their fans have embraced the change and they are hugely successful and have had a great year.
But a challenge they rose to. Their latest album doesn't feel contrive or like they were trying to create another 'Only By The Night' but made a record that they could be proud of. It's most reminiscent of 'Because Of The Times' their third album but is more laid back and chilled out. It's simply a great album that fits in beautifully with their other work and a welcome addition to their catalogue of great albums.
Reaching number one in numerous countries they are indeed mainstream but have achieved this success at no loss to the music; the mainstream has come to them not the other way round. They've been incredibly successful but shouldn't be persecuted for that as it's just a testament to their music, even if their videos leave a lot to be desired.
Their new album coupled with extensive touring and performing to their usual high standard makes them my top artist of 2010.
With the release of their fifth album in late 2009 with 'Only Revolutions' Biffy are another example of an alternative rock band that has almost inexplicably found itself in the mainstream. Reaching number three in the UK charts it was their most successful album to date. Backing up this fantastic album they've been touring for almost the whole year performing to thousands and it's a true testament to the band that they can fill arenas with their unique brand of rock which can often be fairly heavy and inaccessible to many people but that they've still managed to translate.
Breaking almost all conventions and staying true to their music they've had their most successful year and have rocked 2010.
As well as celebrating bands that have made it big some of my top bands are ones that have only just started. Foals released their second studio album 'Total Life Forever' in May of this year and produced a brilliant record. Following their first ambitious album they've created a tender and complex record with many different facets; powered by their drums with explosions of guitars and strings.
I've heard Foals described as anti-pop and I agree, they don't try to fit the norm, however you do sometimes feel that they try a little too hard to be different but this album in nonetheless one of my favourite this year. Short-listed for the Mercury Prize Foals have proved that the initial buzz about this Oxford quintet was well deserved.
Another less well known band in my top five is Young Guns who released their début album earlier this year and produced a beast of a rock record. For a band so young they've been incredibly successful and have been championed by Kerrang since their EP 'Mirrors' was released last year. Their album is a conventional rock album but has a tenderness at the heart of it surrounded by the crashing drums and wailing guitars and I think it's that which makes this album so good and the band so accessible.
They've also been touring throughout the year and played a surprisingly well received set at Reading and Leeds festival to thousands.
This year has thrust them into their sort of fame and all that remains to be seen is if they can continue growing and creating more great albums.
Four years after the release of their previous album 'The Black Parade' My Chem are back with their new album 'Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys' and with it they've revolutionised their whole aesthetic. Instead of being depressive and emo-esque now they're colourful and just a little poppy and sound like they're having the most fun they've had on an album. Being played constantly it's obvious most of their fans have embraced the change and they are hugely successful and have had a great year.
Thursday, 9 December 2010
10 Songs Whirring Round My Head This Week
So this is, as the title sums up 10 songs stuck in my head this week. I'll put the video for the song or some way to hear it underneath the description and then you can check it out and hopefully you'll like some of them therefore carrying the revolution by spreading unappreciated music.
Unsurprisingly much of this weeks list will be influenced by the bands I've seen because I've found when you go to a gig you listen to the band more than usual beforehand and then after the gig the songs are so firmly forced into your head that they're all you can listen to. Other instalments of this won't be filled with as many of the same bands.
10- Blood Red Shoes with 'Light It Up'
This song has the best of both worlds with heavy chords and looping riffs and this coupled with an interesting voice makes for a song you'll be happy to have playing in your head.
9-Biffy Clyro 'An Atrocity'
Two odd piano chords open followed by some of the most honest lyrics and distorted undertones and when performed live, it's amazing.
8-Editors with 'Munich'
High pitched guitar riffs lead to a low gloomy voice with some incredibly cheery lyrics interjected by more high pitched guitar notes that resonate through this song along with the incredible drum beat.
7- Foals with 'Cassius'
With it's unusual timing and sound effects it's an upbeat song that loops round with trumpets added to increase the depth and texture of the music.
6- Yeah Yeah Yeahs with 'Maps'
Tingling high pithed guitar followed by a clear drum beat then emotive lyrics this whole song culminates to create a tender yet sad love song.
5-Young Guns with 'Sons Of Apathy'
Opening with classical slow instruments this song quickly subverts the feel of it as electric guitars and drums crash over the violins and the real song starts up followed by Young Guns trademark catchy chorus's and intricate guitar riffs.
4- Biffy Clyro with 'Mountains'
One of their biggest hits with an anthem like chorus and walls of chords this song is incredibly catchy.
3- Band Of Skulls with 'Light Of The Morning'
This is a fairly unknown band who, to give some indicators to the style and sound of them, are reminiscent of White Stripes and Kings Of Leon. The singers voices sings with the twisting guitar riffs and create a catchy and surprising song that constantly changes.
2- Biffy Clyro with their latest single 'Booooom, Blast and Ruin'
Opening with an unusual riff that then becomes heavier and repeats itself throughout the song along with Biffy's trademark slightly odd timing and thought provoking lyrics such as 'truth is emotion' and 'this could be a wrong, this could be a right' it's a joy to have in your head.
1-Young Guns with 'At The Gates'
This is one of their slightly slower songs with rhythmic guitar, interesting and heartfelt lyrics and a truly memorable chorus that'll have you singing along the second time you hear it then firmly stuck in your head for days.
Unsurprisingly much of this weeks list will be influenced by the bands I've seen because I've found when you go to a gig you listen to the band more than usual beforehand and then after the gig the songs are so firmly forced into your head that they're all you can listen to. Other instalments of this won't be filled with as many of the same bands.
10- Blood Red Shoes with 'Light It Up'
This song has the best of both worlds with heavy chords and looping riffs and this coupled with an interesting voice makes for a song you'll be happy to have playing in your head.
9-Biffy Clyro 'An Atrocity'
Two odd piano chords open followed by some of the most honest lyrics and distorted undertones and when performed live, it's amazing.
8-Editors with 'Munich'
High pitched guitar riffs lead to a low gloomy voice with some incredibly cheery lyrics interjected by more high pitched guitar notes that resonate through this song along with the incredible drum beat.
7- Foals with 'Cassius'
With it's unusual timing and sound effects it's an upbeat song that loops round with trumpets added to increase the depth and texture of the music.
6- Yeah Yeah Yeahs with 'Maps'
Tingling high pithed guitar followed by a clear drum beat then emotive lyrics this whole song culminates to create a tender yet sad love song.
5-Young Guns with 'Sons Of Apathy'
Opening with classical slow instruments this song quickly subverts the feel of it as electric guitars and drums crash over the violins and the real song starts up followed by Young Guns trademark catchy chorus's and intricate guitar riffs.
4- Biffy Clyro with 'Mountains'
One of their biggest hits with an anthem like chorus and walls of chords this song is incredibly catchy.
3- Band Of Skulls with 'Light Of The Morning'
This is a fairly unknown band who, to give some indicators to the style and sound of them, are reminiscent of White Stripes and Kings Of Leon. The singers voices sings with the twisting guitar riffs and create a catchy and surprising song that constantly changes.
2- Biffy Clyro with their latest single 'Booooom, Blast and Ruin'
Opening with an unusual riff that then becomes heavier and repeats itself throughout the song along with Biffy's trademark slightly odd timing and thought provoking lyrics such as 'truth is emotion' and 'this could be a wrong, this could be a right' it's a joy to have in your head.
1-Young Guns with 'At The Gates'
This is one of their slightly slower songs with rhythmic guitar, interesting and heartfelt lyrics and a truly memorable chorus that'll have you singing along the second time you hear it then firmly stuck in your head for days.
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Top 5 Music Videos This Week
5-At number 5 is Florence + The Machine with 'Heavy In Your Arms'.
An atmospheric video shot in monochrome with fantastic lighting with a very literal interpretation on the song's title. Whilst watching you find yourself captivated even if part of you is asking why the hell doesn't she just get up and walk?
4-At number 4 is Ok Go with 'White Knuckle'.
Ok Go deliver yet another incredible video as per usual, this time with dogs instead of treadmills. It's like crufts meets NME. You can really see the amount of work put into this video and it's truly paid off. Although you've got to wonder what would've happened if a squirrel had found it's way onto set?
3-Number 3 is The XX with 'Islands'.
A stark intro leads into an interestingly shot dance sequence that repeats itself throughout the video with the dancers becoming increasingly aware of the repetition and stopping, culminating with only one final dancer left and a fiery finish. This video mimics the off beat and gloomy music and creates an entrancing video.
2-At number 2 is Foals with 'Blue Blood'
An almost uncomfortable video depicting the relationship between a young boy performing at a school event and a female role model. The longer you watch the more awkward it begins to feel and the more your intuition tells you that something isn't quite right with this scene, yet this awkwardness doesn't make you want to stop watching instead it makes an arresting video that you can't seem to stop watching. All in all a fantastic video expertly carried on one incredible performance form the kid, who incidentally made up all of his dancing himself.
1-My Chemical Romance with 'Na Na Na'
There is no denying it this video is bloody incredible. Breaking the conventions of music videos with a plot and specially created aesthetic it's visual style grabs your attention and doesn't let it wonder for one second. This video doesn't shy away from you or is content to be watched by unseeing eyes it makes you feel like something special is happening and you're watching music video history in the making. I'm not personally a huge fan of the song but the video without a doubt carries it, a worthy number one.
An atmospheric video shot in monochrome with fantastic lighting with a very literal interpretation on the song's title. Whilst watching you find yourself captivated even if part of you is asking why the hell doesn't she just get up and walk?
4-At number 4 is Ok Go with 'White Knuckle'.
Ok Go deliver yet another incredible video as per usual, this time with dogs instead of treadmills. It's like crufts meets NME. You can really see the amount of work put into this video and it's truly paid off. Although you've got to wonder what would've happened if a squirrel had found it's way onto set?
3-Number 3 is The XX with 'Islands'.
A stark intro leads into an interestingly shot dance sequence that repeats itself throughout the video with the dancers becoming increasingly aware of the repetition and stopping, culminating with only one final dancer left and a fiery finish. This video mimics the off beat and gloomy music and creates an entrancing video.
2-At number 2 is Foals with 'Blue Blood'
An almost uncomfortable video depicting the relationship between a young boy performing at a school event and a female role model. The longer you watch the more awkward it begins to feel and the more your intuition tells you that something isn't quite right with this scene, yet this awkwardness doesn't make you want to stop watching instead it makes an arresting video that you can't seem to stop watching. All in all a fantastic video expertly carried on one incredible performance form the kid, who incidentally made up all of his dancing himself.
1-My Chemical Romance with 'Na Na Na'
There is no denying it this video is bloody incredible. Breaking the conventions of music videos with a plot and specially created aesthetic it's visual style grabs your attention and doesn't let it wonder for one second. This video doesn't shy away from you or is content to be watched by unseeing eyes it makes you feel like something special is happening and you're watching music video history in the making. I'm not personally a huge fan of the song but the video without a doubt carries it, a worthy number one.
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