Presenting Music Mondays

March 3, 2014October 28, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

In order to keep myself blogging and to share my love of music, I am going to begin a series of blogs called Music Mondays. Music Mondays will feature a playlist of ten songs I am currently loving. Some may be new releases whilst others may be older but they will all be songs that I am listening to over and over again.

So with no further ado, here’s this week’s playlist!

1) Arctic Monkeys – Why’d you only call me when you’re high

Just amazingly catchy and so damn cool.

2) Toby Burke and George Michael – Waltz away dreaming

A George Michael song I had no idea existed until a scroll through his complete Discography. This is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard.

3) The 1975 – Head.Cars.Bending

Glitchy, energetic – awesome song.

4) The 1975 – Pressure

I always overlooked this track on the album but recently I’ve fallen in love with it – very catchy and the lyrics are awesome.

5) Jake Bugg – Songs about love

Not overly keen on all of Jake’s stuff but he’s incredibly talented. Keep hearing this on the radio and it’s definitely my favourite track by him. Very acoustic based and a beautiful song.

6) Eric Clapton – Change the world

Was reminded of this when I found a video of Andy Brown (lead singer of Lawson) covering it on YouTube. Such a great acoustic based track which makes me smile a lot.

7) Neil Young – Harvest Moon

Heard this when watching the movie Eat Pray Love the other day and instantly fell in love with it. Very soft and very romantic.

8) Clean Bandit ft Jess Glynne – Rather be

There’s something very unique about this track and I love that. It’s so catchy and so upbeat, I really love it.

9) Beyonce – XO

This has had a lot of stick but it’s my favourite track Beyonce has ever done. I agree that lyrically it’s not the best and it’s quite generic for a Beyonce song but I find it really powerful, really emotive and very addictive.

10) Coldplay – Magic

This was only released to the world today so this is brand spanking new! Again, it’s had a lot of stick from Coldplay fans about the change in music direction but I love this. I love Coldplay’s older stuff and I also love their newer sound too. I love this because it’s very chilled out and very special. I’ve already listened to this countless times today!

Post Brits Blog

February 21, 2014February 21, 2014 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

Wednesday saw the 34th Brit Award Ceremony take place at the 02 arena and broadcast live across the world for the first time. Here’s my take on the events of the evening.

The Brits 2014 saw a massive drop in ratings – 2 million less people than last year. Yet, in my opinion, the 2014 Brits were a million times better than last year’s rather dull affair. Bizarre acceptance speeches, electric performances, dodgy jokes and self promotion riddled this years ceremony but in a way that made fantastic entertainment. The Brits has a reputation for generating and attracting controversy but that’s part of what makes it so endearing.

James Corden did a wonderful job of presenting once again, moving the show along nicely aided by a few funny gags and some spontaneous quips (a selfie with Prince and a pinch of a member of the Arctic Monkeys’ bum were particular highlights). Whilst not everyone was equally pleased with some of his remarks, I think James was awesome once again and I will greatly miss him hosting The Brits. He’s not overly controversial, a great guy, loves his music and funny with it. I hope whoever is lined up to present next year’s Brits will be able to bring something original to the table.

Katy Perry

Performance-wise, whilst this year’s list of performers perhaps looked a little dull on paper, there were some great performances. Katy Perry delivered a theatrical Egyptian-themed performance of new track ‘Dark Horse’, which, despite the song not being her strongest release, managed to entertain. Bruno Mars took to the stage to sing the fantastically catchy ‘Treasure’ in which, whilst being an amazing performance, one must question whether this was a performance by Bruno or by The Bruno Mars band. There was very little solo by Mr Mars himself, instead, he was joined by an assemble of men to the point it rather looked and sounded like a Boyz II Men super-group on-stage. Beyonce appeared in a stunning, sparkly green gown to perform powerful new single ‘XO’. Disclosure managed to significantly improve incredibly scary Lorde’s ‘Royals’ by transforming it into a house track and Pharrell Williams gave a great rendition of ‘Happy’ with a little help from funk royalty Nile Rodgers.

As for the awards themselves, there were no major surprises. Daft Punk inevitably collected ‘International Group’ award after an amazingly successful year. Rudimental took home a gong for club-crazy ‘Waiting all night’ for Best British Single. One Direction won an award for a seemingly tailored-just-for-them ‘Brits Global Success Award’ in addition to ‘Best British Video’. Whilst many ridicule them, the lads certainly deserved these awards, particularly the latter, although there wasn’t any strong competition as the other Video nominations were incredibly weak and unoriginal. At least ‘Best Song Ever’ was unique, comedic and well-written/directed. Arctic Monkeys also took home two awards for Best British Group and Best British Album whilst Best British Breakthrough Act went to Bastille. Lorde appeared rather creepily onstage again to collect International Female Solo Artist whilst Bruno Mars received the male equivalent. Best British Female artist was won by Ellie Goulding whilst Best British Male was deservedly won by David Bowie.

What was perhaps most interesting this year were the presenters of the awards and the acceptance speeches. Pop royalty Prince appeared with new band 3RDEYEGIRL which was really awesome, Katy Perry returned onstage to present an award, Tinie Tempah was rather oddly paired with Fearne Cotton, Emeli Sande couldn’t keep away from The Brits, Pharell and Kylie, Jimmy Carr, glamour model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Lily Allen, Cesc Fabregas and Nicole Scherzinger, Grimmy (who passionately snogged James Corden on live telly) and Noel Gallagher. We were subjected to excessive plugs of new releases and dresses and suits for the ceremony. A confused Lily Allen struggled to comprehend her role whilst Jimmy Carr attempted three feeble jokes after which the silence was deafening. Katy Perry asked the audience if they would be attending her tour later this year to which she received a wall of silence. Kate Moss accepted David Bowie’s award on behalf of the man himself, reading a witty speech he had written in which he managed to somewhat randomly incorporate his political views (‘Stay with us Scotland.’) A rather drunk and/or stoned Alex Taylor slurred through an egocentric rant on ‘Rock n roll’, looking as if he wished to be anywhere but there.

The issue is, whilst this was all great in the name of entertainment, it just reinforced the view of many. That The Brits is less about the music and more about self-promotion and entertainment. Few of the acceptance speeches were genuinely thankful, many highly successful artists were overlooked in nominations and quite frankly, some of the song nominations were bizarre.

There is no denying that it was an entertaining show, however and a drastic improvement on last year’s bore. So, another year, another Brits over. I already look forward to next year’s!

Pre-Brits Blog

February 17, 2014February 15, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

I love The Brit Awards. It’s one evening I spend every year where I sit down and do nothing else but relax and enjoy the ceremony. Sure, many of my favourite acts are often not nominated. There’s artists that prompt me to think “Who the hell is that?!” Some of the artists performing I can’t stand. But it’s pure entertainment.

I believe The Grammys are superior – after all, the performances are usually a great deal more interesting and I’ve usually heard of 90% of the nominees. It’s a lot more sophisticated and prestigious. But I also can’t help but love The Brits because it’s usually a couple of hours of madness. Presenters and nominees swearing pre-watershed, wardrobe malfunctions, lengthy and drunken speeches and things going wrong. It doesn’t happen every year (last year ran relatively smoothly compared to The Brits’ usual reputation) but when it does, it’s brilliant. And if nothing controversial happens, it’s still fun to watch.

It’s safe to say I’m pretty disappointed that some of my favourite and, in my opinion, some of the most talented musicians in the UK have been completely overlooked this year. Gary Barlow returned from a 14 year solo-career hiatus to deliver a fantastic album which was ignored. The 1975 launched from nowhere, gaining a Top 20 single and a Number One album. Lawson are yet to be recognised despite enormous success in the UK. Robbie Williams achieved massive sales with a fantastic album. Kodaline released a beautiful album and Matt Cardle wrote an awesome album. You may think I’m biased because many of these are my favourite artists but it’s not just that. These artists all write their own songs and have worked hard to be in the position they’re in. They’ve achieved massive success in the last year and haven’t relied on talent shows to get to where they are. I just think it’s a shame they’ve been overlooked.

On the positive side, it’s great to see Laura Mvula nominated – her album ‘Sing to the moon’ is stunning and original. Likewise, Disclosure, David Bowie, Tom Odell and London Grammar are all more than worthy of nominations.

I will be blogging after the event itself but I thought I would publish a playlist of my favourite songs by this year’s nominees and performers. This isn’t a full list of my favourite songs by them as I’ve limited them to songs by the artists in the last year or so. For example there’s no ‘Teenage Dream’ or ‘Firework’ by Katy Perry because I’m featuring songs from her latest album Prism.

Here’s my favourite London Grammar track (I have no idea why it’s not available on Spotify)

55 of The Greatest Love Songs ever written

February 14, 2014February 14, 2014 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

As it’s Valentine’s Day, and I happen to be a big fan of slushy love songs, I thought I would compile and publish a list of just some of my favourite songs ever written/released. This is not a definitive list by any means – I can think of many more I love just as much/lots of iconic songs that aren’t here. This is just a selection of ones I either think deserve more recognition or that I absolutely love. Many of these have been played time and time again! I’ve chosen not to talk about all of them as that would have taken me ages but I’ve just selected a few to discuss why I love them so much.

1) Shania Twain – You’re still the one

An absolute country classic which I’d forgotten about until hearing it a few days ago. It’s such a beautiful, simplistic song and I adore the harmonies in the chorus. Definitely one of the greatest love songs ever written.

2) Olly Murs – Hand on heart

An underrated track, I’ve always loved this since my first listen. I just think it’s a really powerful, emotive song which also somehow manages to be really catchy.

3) Take That – Rule the world

My favourite song of all time had to be in there somewhere! I adore everything about this – from the piano chords, Gary’s vocals, the harmonies, the lyrics – it’s just beautifully written. “All the stars are coming out tonight, they’re lighting up the sky tonight for you” – it’s so simple but gorgeous.

4) Gary Barlow – My Commitment

Hidden gem on Gary’s debut album, it’s astonishingly soppy but also very beautiful. Proper piece of 90’s cheese, this!

5) George Michael – I can’t make you love me

Not the original but perhaps the best version. Bonnie Raitt’s beautiful original is fantastic too though. I just prefer the instrumentation on George’s – Bonnie’s features a synthetic sounding keyboard whereas George’s features all real instruments and beautiful strings. This is just so amazingly heartfelt, so emotive and absolutely stunning.

6) George Michael – Amazing

7) Michael Jackson – Butterflies

Another hidden gem. This appeared on what would become Michael’s last solo album in his lifetime- ‘Invincible’ and was written by UK female duo Floetry. It’s silky smooth, full of soul and sweet falsetto – it’s just perfect.

8) Daniel Bedingfield – If you’re not the one

Yes, I can’t deny that this one is incredibly cheesy but it has become one of my all-time favourite songs in the last few years. I just think the lyrics are incredibly beautiful and relatable.

9) Katy Perry – Thinking of you

Not many know this song by her as it’s overlooked by the more commercial stuff but it’s the song that made me love her. It’s a shame this isn’t as well-known as some of her other tracks as this really does show how talented she is. One of only a handful of songs written by Katy alone, this was a single from her debut ‘One of the boys’. It’s a pop-rock style track which contains some of my favourite lyrics ever written. It’s absolutely gorgeous.

10) Will Young – Who am I

This was a hit back in 2006 but I never hear it anymore which is a shame because again, it’s beautiful. Written about not wanting to let your lover down, it’s an interestingly written song.

11) Will Young – Love is a matter of distance

12) Michael Jackson – You are not alone

A masterpiece by R. Kelly written for Michael’s HIStory – Past Present Future Book 1 album. I see this less as a love song for a lover but more of a song of support for loved ones, as cheesy as that sounds. Particularly as it was released in a time of turbulence for Michael, I see it as being an important song to him which is perhaps why I find it so beautiful. I love the last few seconds as it fades out – just really like MJ’s ad-libs and the chord progression.

13) Gwen Stefani – Cool

This is just a brilliant song. Taking influences from 1980’s synth-pop, this is a piece of pop heaven. A song about remaining ‘cool’ with an ex or an ex crush, again, it’s a uniquely written song.

14) Leon Jackson – Stargazing

This song is so incredibly underrated! Written by Michael Buble’s co-writers, this is a stunning song. Romantic, with soft acoustic guitars and sweeping strings, Leon croons this soppy ballad beautifully.

15) Mark Owen – Alone Without You

Most people know how I feel about Mark’s solo career anyway but this song is concrete proof why I feel like I do. I love the lyrics and the rawness and openness of this track. Amazing song.

16) Take That – Like I never loved you at all

Another underexposed song as it’s only an album track. I just love this song as it’s so acoustic based and just so beautiful. I don’t think this has to just be about lost love, I also see it as a song about lost friendship which is part of what makes it such a perfect song. Definitely one of my favourite Take That songs ever.

17) Lawson – Standing in the dark

I remember listening to the premiere of this song on Radio 1 and instantly falling in love with it. It has so much power through its hard rock sound and Andy Brown’s flawless vocals. It’s such an emotive song and it never fails to give me goosebumps.

18) Sara Bareilles – Gravity

Another example of how simplicity can sometimes be the best. This track relies on Sara’s beautiful voice, a piano and strings and tells of not being able to get over someone. It’s really worth a listen.

19) John Mayer – Back to you

20) Neyo – Go on girl

21) Coldplay – Yellow

22) Phil Collins – You’ll be in my heart

23) Beverley Knight – Gold

Beverley is without a doubt the most underrated singer the UK has. She has an absolutely incredible voice and her music is up to the same standard. ‘Gold’ is one of my all-time-favourite songs

24) Lawson – Taking over me

25) Prince – One kiss at a time

This reminds me of summertime – it’s a very chilled out, optimistic track about love from Prince’s awesome three disk 1995 album ‘Emancipation’. Unfortunately I can’t link it as it’s not available on Spotify or YouTube.

26) Prince – The most beautiful girl in the world

Prince’s only UK Number One single to date, this is an awesome song. I love the intro and middle eight, the lyrics and Prince sounds absolutely incredible on it. Particularly gotta love the high notes he hits at the end.

27) John Legend – Ordinary People

Sometimes simplicity is key in music and this is a prime example. A jazzy piano instrumentation and John Legend’s silky vocals over the top with a few strings at the end for good measure, this is just bliss. It’s an honest take on the ups and downs of love.

28) Kylie Minogue – Never too late (Abbey Road version)

The original version of this is, of course, a cheesy pop Stock-Aitken-Waterman written and produced track released in the late 1980’s. Kylie transformed this into a beautiful pop ballad for her 2012 album ‘The Abbey Road Sessions’ and really emphasised what a great song this is.

29) Lemar – Invincible

Lemar’s entire ‘Invincible’ album was severely underrated and overlooked but the lead single in particular deserved more attention. ‘Invincible’ is a beautiful pop-rock track about lost love.

30) Chris Brown – I should’ve kissed you

Overlooking the personality and the man himself, Chris Brown manages to write some great tracks. This was a track from his album ‘F.A.M.E’ – it’s schmaltzy but catchy and incredibly sweet.

31) Whitney Houston – I have nothing

32) Maroon 5 – She will be loved

This is without a doubt one of the greatest love pop tracks ever written. Adam Levine has such a beautiful voice and it’s just an all-round great song.

33) Simply Red – Say You Love Me

This reminds me of being very young as this’d often be played around the house. As I’ve grown older I’ve come to love it even more as I’ve paid more attention to the lyrics.

34) Wet Wet Wet – Goodnight girl

Another simple song which features nothing more than a guitar, piano and vocals, this song is about secret love, distinguishing it from other more cliché love songs. Marti Pellow has such a great voice and it’s an incredibly beautiful song and one I love very much.

35) East Seventeen & Gabrielle – If you ever

I believe this to be one of the best boyband tracks ever. Originally an A capella track by US band Shai, this was transformed into a 90’s pop track for East Seventeen with a little help from Gabrielle. Gabrielle has one of my favourite female voices and Brian Harvey sounds perfect with her. The harmonies are impeccable on this too.

36) Seal – Kiss from a rose

37) Mark Owen – Makin’ out (acoustic version)

The original is great too but I fell in love with this song after hearing Mark perform it acoustically on YouTube. The lyrics are really sweet and it’s a fantastic song.

38) Amy Winehouse – Love is a losing game

39) John Mayer & Katy Perry – Who you love

40) Oasis – Wonderwall

41) Busted – Sleeping with the light on

42) Mel C – Immune

Mel C’s solo career is incredibly underrated. This song was co-written by Busted member James Bourne for Mel’s 2007 album ‘This Time’ and is definitely worth a listen. Beautiful song.

43) Gabrielle – Out of reach

44) Duffy – Warwick Avenue

45) Blue – Breathe easy

Mr Lee Ryan’s vocals on this are insane. Stunning, powerful song.

46) The Script – Millionaires

47) Avril Lavigne – I’m with you

48) Britney – Everytime

Whatever you say about Britney, you can’t deny this is one breath-taking song. Perhaps the best she’s ever released.

49) Conor Maynard – Just in case

It’s easy to write Conor Maynard off as a not all that credible artist but this is a great song. Love the piano arrangement in it and the lyrical content. There was a time when this meant a lot to me.

50) The Corrs – What can I do

51) Duncan James – Can’t stop a river

52) Jennifer Lopez – Baby I love you

53) Mike Dignam – Lungs

I bought Mike’s EP after being impressed with him supporting Lawson on their Chapman Square tour last year. This song is one of my favourites; such a sweet little song with a great chord progression.

54) Lee Ryan/Andy Scott Lee – Guardian Angel

Written by Blue member Lee Ryan for an album that remains unreleased, this track was also a contender to be entered as the UK’s entry into the 2005 Eurovision Contest. It ended up being beaten by Javine’s Touch My Fire. Don’t let the fact it was a Eurovision song contender discourage you, however – it’s an absolutely beautiful (admittedly rather cheesy) track and Andy sounds amazing on it. The reason I’ve credited it to both artists is because there’s confusion on YouTube of who’s singing the track.

55) John Mayer – Your body is a wonderland

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFyjwZHjLq8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOJDVebh8Wg

Toxic

February 3, 2014February 3, 2014 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

I wrote this around a year ago but only got round to making a demo for it a few days ago. It’s not a reflection of current emotions but it’s still a personal track to me.

It also samples a well known pop track somewhere – just thought it fitted well despite it being a very different song!

As usual, comments are appreciated and please try and see past my exceptionally weak vocal ability!

http://www.reverbnation.com/marcbarritt/song/19964793-toxic-demo

Why ‘Perks’ is perfection

January 14, 2014January 14, 2014 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

Over the course of blogging, I hope to blog a little about some of the songs, movies and books that have touched me the most or mean the most to me. I am kicking this off with one of my favourite things in this world; ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ – both book and movie.

Just before Christmas, I watched ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ for around the fifth time and am currently re-reading the book for the second time. Those who truly know me and those who follow me on Twitter will have seen a lot of posts related to ‘Perks’ and probably know that it means a lot to me. I want to take the time to write to write properly about why it is so important to me, however.

I am re-reading it for a few reasons. Firstly, I am about to lend it to a new friend of mine. I really hope she loves it almost as much as I do. Secondly, I have now watched the movie version so many times that I am more familiar with that than the book. I therefore want to re-identify myself with the original and definitive form of the story.

‘The Perks of being a wallflower’ was a book recommended to me by a good friend. We were discussing books when she asked “Have you read Perks?”. Such a simple line, but one which changed my life. It’s amazing how a few words have the ability to be so significant. I replied that I had not and quickly Googled it just to see what it was about. I discovered it’s author is Stephen Chbosky (who I found had written the screen-play for the movie adaptation of my favourite musical, Rent) and it was first released in 1999. After being won over by the plot outline, I decided to give it a go. I saved it as a memo on my phone and on my next visit to a book store, I purchased it.

Fast forward a couple of months and a friend of mine at school was walking around our sixth form area with his head buried deep in it. This, in addition to the discovery that a movie adaptation was just a couple of months away from release, encouraged me to dig out my copy and begin reading. I am someone who greatly prefers to read the book before seeing its movie adaptation.

Perks follows a fifteen year old boy who refers to himself as Charlie, although he explains that his name in the book is fictional as he doesn’t wish the reader to find out who he is. It’s an epistolary novel written through the form of letters, in which we can assume we fulfil the role of the ‘friend’ Charlie is referring to in each letter. Charlie keeps us informed of his day to day experiences and some of his personal struggles. An introverted character, Charlie struggles to fit in at High School and prefers instead to ‘observe’. Part of his loneliness perhaps stems from the loss of his best friend, Michael, who committed suicide the year before. As the book progresses, more and more details about Charlie’s past emerge and we begin to understand a lot of why he acts in the manner he does. Stephen Chbosky writes beautifully as Charlie and I often refer to the book as my ‘quote bible’ due to the high amount of exceptionally wise and truthful things said within the story.

To tell the truth, Perks came along at a time when I really needed it. I was feeling hopelessly low and really needed something to cling to other than a person. I often find I become attached to songs, movies and books when I feel like that because they are things that are always there to be accessed in times when people are too busy for you. To be able to lose yourself in a book/song/movie is a beautiful thing. It gives us all a chance to leave our tangled lives and this world and to enter those/that of another.

These days, whilst an avid book fan, I read quite slowly. To finish Perks in a week, like I did, is incredibly fast for me. I could have finished it sooner too, had I not limited myself on a couple of days to ensure it lasted longer. I couldn’t bear the thought of finishing it when reading it was what kept me going. It’s what I looked forward to every single evening when I would tuck myself into bed, pick up my copy and lose myself in Charlie’s world and forget about mine.

I also feel I can relate to Charlie more than I ever have any other protagonist in a book. Those that have read it or seen the movie may think “Why?” at this statement. I haven’t been through many of the ordeals Charlie has. Charlie has it much, much worse than I do. My so called ‘problems’ are minimal and hardly worth mentioning in comparison to Charlie’s. But I understand Charlie’s way of thinking. He thinks too much and too fast, as do I. He observes others and questions their motives and actions, as do I. He has periods of feeling low and lonely, as do I. I’m not saying I am the only one who feels this way as I know many others do and have. I am just saying I can completely identify with parts of Charlie’s thinking.

How do I know I’m not alone in ‘understanding’ Charlie? I know this because of the cult following Perks has and from the endless mass of blogs and fan pages dedicated to it. It’s amazing to be able to feel like somebody understands, be it the fictional character or the author writing through his protagonist. It’s a mutual understanding and a powerful one it is too. This is more than likely another reason ‘Perks’ is so popular – it unites millions of people, whether they’re happy, unhappy, lonely or feeling loved, it covers all emotions and binds everyone, no matter how they’ve feeling, together.

Another thing Perks has done is opened my mind. It’s changed my perspective on many things. It also introduced me to new things. Charlie lists the books he’s assigned by his friendly English teacher Bill in addition to the songs he discovers and loves. It’s because of this book that I was introduced to ‘Heroes’ by David Bowie and the gorgeous ‘Dusk’ by Genesis – two songs I wasn’t familiar with until this book (well, I’d heard of Heroes but never given it a listen…) I also read ‘The Catcher in the Rhye’ which I thoroughly enjoyed.

A few weeks after finishing the book, I went along to the cinema to see it with a friend and it did not disappoint at all. Of course there’s differences and parts missing because that’s always the way with movie adaptations but with Stephen fulfilling both the screenplay writer and director roles, he couldn’t go wrong as it’s his book! I believe all authors should contribute to movie adaptations as much as they can. Stephen remained faithful to the book and added a few minor improvements and comedic moments too. I was in tears at the end of the movie (prior to this I’d only cried at two movies) and went along to watch it again two weeks later. No matter how many times I watch the movie, it never fails to move, inspire and touch me, just as the book does. The cast portrayed the characters fantastically and loyally which is all I, as a massive Perks fan, could ask for.

Perks has something for everyone. Everyone can relate to it and that’s what makes it so special. Everyone has felt part of what Charlie has and everyone can identify with the themes of love, loneliness and happiness. It serves as a memoir for adults, who through reading it, can recall their teenage years and it acts as a guide-book for teenagers and young adults. Most of all, it encourages us to be hopeful and active in life. To participate and not simply observe. To love and not hate.

I will never forget when someone told me she “Found it a bit gay to be honest”. I accept everyone has their own opinions and Perks may not be for everyone but an attitude like that shows a severe lack of understanding and lack of empathy. Anyone who says they don’t feel at least a little touched by the story is lying. It’s impossible not to, even if it’s not for you.

I sometimes wonder if Stephen Chbosky had any idea how important his book would become to young people when he was writing it. I wonder if even now, he has any idea of its significance. I’m just one in thousands of people who have been touched by one of the greatest contributions to literature ever. Perks is a book to guide, to teach and to heal. It’s a book to be read over and over again. A book to be passed from friend to friend. A book to be passed down through generations. I must thank Stephen for creating something that means so much to me. And I must also thank my friend who I will forever be indebted to for introducing me to this book.

If you haven’t read Perks, I could not recommend it strongly enough. The movie is absolutely incredible too but the book is still best and tells the story exceptionally.

“And in that moment, I swear we were infinite” Charlie, The Perks Of Being A Wallflower.

2013 in music

December 31, 2013March 5, 2016 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

Today, as you all know, is New Year’s Eve. I love NYE because it’s always a time where I reflect on the past year. What’s happened in the world, in the UK, to those around me and to me as an individual. For the last three years or so, I have published a list of my favourite and least favourite music of the past year and 2013 is no exception. So with no further ado, here is that list!

SONGS OF THE YEAR

The 1975 – Chocolate / Sex

My new find of 2013, Chocolate is the most infectious song I have heard in years. If I was just to have chosen ONE song of the year, Chocolate would have been it. I must have listened to it hundreds of times this year and it never ever gets boring. It’s catchy as hell. ‘Sex’ is also an incredible song and one that makes me feel like dusting off the old air guitar 😉

Jessie J – Thunder

Impossibly catchy and remarkably clever, this song deserves a lot more attention than it’s been receiving. The use of instrumentation to symbolise rain and thunder is genius and Jessie sounds awesome.

Robbie Williams – Go Gentle

Just a sugary sweet song and one with fantastic lyrics.

Disclosure – White noise

This duo can be credited with the revival of house and garage music. One of the few songs that will get me going if I’m out clubbing!

OneRepublic – Counting Stars

Ryan Tedder is a genius as a songwriter anyway and there’s just something so unique and great about this tune.

Gary Barlow & Elton John – Face to face

Another song which is impossibly catchy, especially the ‘oohs’ in the hook! The pair sound great and this is one heck of a song.

Calvin Harris – Thinking about you

One of my favourite Calvin songs. Don’t know quite what it is about this one but it just makes me wanna dance!

David Bowie – Where are we now?

Mr Bowie launched back onto the music scene earlier this year with this extremely melancholic song. It’s incredibly beautiful and reflective, however, and I love it.

Pharrell – Happy

Heard this in a shop a few weeks ago and wondered what it was so whipped out my phone and used Shazam to tell me what it was. Pharrell is a genius musically and I love the old-school feel to this song and the harmonies. Its simplicity makes it one of the best pop tracks from this year.

Lady Gaga – Applause

Despite loving Gaga, I wasn’t too fussed about Artpop as an album. Absolutely love this single though. The electro-pop sound reminds me of her début album and it’s a fantastic song.

Mariah Carey & Miguel – #Beautiful

Not really a Mariah fan but this catapulted into the UK charts and I fell in love. I love the rough sound of the instrumentation and how the track is guitar led. The two sound awesome together and that guitar intro is to die for.

Zedd & Foxes – Clarity

This is just perfect. It’d work just as well as a ballad but it’s a great dance track. The lyrics are awesome but the music is what makes it.

Bruno Mars – Treasure

SO catchy and old-school, I love it! The reason I probably love it so much is because its reminiscent of early Michael Jackson and Prince tracks – two of my musical heroes.

The Script – Millionaires

Another song which deserved greater attention. Just love the message in this song and once again it’s really catchy. It’s another song with catchy “ooohs” as a hook!

Bo Bruce – Save me

Loved Bo on The Voice and her début album and single didn’t disappoint. This deserved a lot more recognition as it’s a beautiful, quirky song. One of the finest songs of this year.

Emeli Sande – Clown

This got irritating after over-exposure but upon its release, I loved this. I just thought it was the most gorgeous song I had heard in years. It reminds me a lot of another of my favourite songs ‘All time love’ by Will Young as the pair are both simple and use minimal instrumentation – a piano and strings. Great lyrics, fantastic vocal delivery and a beautiful song. Just shows you good, meaningful music can still find its way into the charts.

Olly Murs – Hand on heart

I love Olly but usually love his album tracks more than his singles. This was another case of that – when ‘Right place, right time’ was released, I fell in love with this and downloaded it straight away. I was delighted that he made the decision to release this as a single because it’s exceptionally beautiful.

Rita Ora – Radioactive

This is so damn good and fantastically catchy. A piece of electro-pop heaven!

Taylor Swift – 22

Say what you will about Taylor, she knows how to write a good pop song! A great summer track.

Justin Timberlake – Take back the night

Another tune reminiscent of early MJ. So smooth, laid back and cool.

Le youth – Cool

Awesome song.

Rizzle Kicks – Skip to the next bit

Love these guys. So full of energy and cheeky. Not a massive fan of all their songs but this is awesome.

Rihanna – What now

Again, not a massive fan of Rihanna although I love a few of her songs. I love the power and electricity in this song and its composition – the delicate verses and the full of energy chorus. The melody in the verses is gorgeous.

Rebecca Ferguson – I hope

Some believe this to be irritating and I can understand this viewpoint with the repetition of ‘I hope’ but I love the unique chord progression and the song itself.

ALBUM TRACKS OF THE YEAR

Katy Perry – Birthday, Double Rainbow

Off Katy’s latest offering ‘Prism’, ‘Birthday’ is an infectious pop song which I find almost as addictive as ‘Teenage Dream’ was. ‘Double Rainbow’, meanwhile, is a gorgeous ballad with beautiful lyrics.

Robbie Williams – No-one likes a fat pop star, Snowblind

‘No-one likes a fat pop-star’ is a witty and humorous take on the press’s focus on Robbie’s weight. I love the carousel feel of the song and the musical-like chorus. ‘Snowblind’ is a delicate, beautiful track where Mr Williams puts his heart on the line. Lovely to see him and Mr Guy ‘Genius’ Chambers working together again. They really are a winning combination.

Gary Barlow – God, We like to love

Both fine, fine pop tracks. ‘God’ begins hauntingly before launching into an inquisitive and beautiful track questioning spiritual existence. ‘We like to love’ meanwhile is a beautiful Coldplay style track with a stunning vocal delivery from Captain Barlow.

Justin Timberlake – Don’t hold the wall, Strawberry Bubblegum, Tunnel vision

The production on this album is off the hook! Timbaland did an awesome job. ‘Don’t hold the wall’ is an awesome, catchy number. ‘Strawberry Bubblegum’ and ‘Tunnel vision’ are the same but a little darker in nature.

Agnetha Faltskog & Gary Barlow – I should’ve followed you home

Perhaps the most underrated song of the year. One of Gary’s finest compositions ever, this is a stunning song with a perfect vocal delivery by both. They sound gorgeous together and Gary’s falsetto at the end is absolutely perfect.

Lawson – Love locked out, Are you ready

The funk-infused ‘Love locked out’ is something very different for Lawson but something that works well. Meanwhile, ‘Are you ready’ is a song I’d heard long before its release by watching live performances on YouTube. The energy that song has is brilliant. Awesome songs.

ALBUMS OF THE YEAR

Gary Barlow – Since I saw you last

Most members of the GB Army and most Thatters had a feeling Captain Barlow would be releasing an album this year and we weren’t wrong! This had a lot of unnecessary criticism by the press but I think it is an amazing album. ‘Let me go’ still isn’t my favourite Barlow track but the other songs make up for it. Upon first listen, it’s a great album but the more you listen, the more it grows on you. Some beautiful songs on here and Gary ventures into funk territory every now and again, making it a little more experimental than his previous efforts. A lovingly created album.

The 1975 – The 1975

This was the album I was most looking forward to this year and it did not disappoint. I discovered this band way back in March this year and after being impressed with all of their EPs, I couldn’t wait for this. This album is just incredible. Taking inspiration from a lot of 1980’s music, merged with alternative/indie rock tracks, The 1975’s début offering is bold, catchy, funky and awesome. An infectious album.

Katy Perry – Prism

Another of my most anticipated albums of this year. I was a little more apprehensive about this as I wasn’t majorly fussed on lead single ‘Roar’. ‘Teenage Dream’ happens to be one of my favourite albums of all time so I was worried that this might be a let-down but it certainly wasn’t. This is pretty much just a more mature version of that album. A lot of catchy songs, a bit of nostalgia and some angrier, more personal tracks. A great album.

Robbie Williams – Swings both ways

This is just perfect. I have recently developed a stronger love of jazz and swing music so this album couldn’t be released at a more perfect time! I like that Rob decided to include some original tracks on here, breaking it up and preventing it from being just another covers album. He sings swing songs amazingly and there’s some awesome collaborations on here. A fine album.

Justin Timberlake – The 20/20 Experience (Part 1)

This was a surprise to me. I like JT a lot but I never thought I would end up purchasing one of his albums! In the end, I realised that I was so addicted to the tracks on Spotify that I would have to purchase a copy. The production by Timbaland is second to none on this album and it’s full of catchy, old-school sounding pop/R&B tracks.

John Mayer – Paradise Valley

I wasn’t sure if I’d like this album as I wasn’t fussed on Mr Mayer’s last album. They both share a more Country theme and whilst I enjoy Country music, I just wasn’t sure. I loved début single ‘Paper doll’, however and gave the album a listen in its previews on iTunes. I quickly realised that it would be another album I would be purchasing this year! It’s a really laid back album and one that would be perfect for an American road trip in Summer. This album gave me a lot of comfort at a time when I wasn’t feeling too confident about things.

Mark Owen – The art of doing nothing

This man’s solo career is so incredibly underrated! This album is bold and brilliant. You can tell a lot of effort went into writing and creating this album and it’s such a shame it didn’t reach higher in the album charts. Having said that, at least we, the fans have supported him and can keep him to ourselves! Awesome songs and an amazing album.

Jamie Cullum – Momentum

Jamie Cullum is such a brilliant musician. I love a lot of his work and I love how he makes jazz music cool. Fair enough, Momentum isn’t the most jazz-themed album you’ll find, it’s more of a pop album but it’s still a really great album. Jamie is so underrated.

Bo Bruce – Before I sleep

As I said above, Bo Bruce didn’t disappoint with her début album. It proves that if musicians work with the right songwriters you can create a masterpiece. I wasn’t keen on Bo’s EP that she had released before going on The Voice but this album is fantastic. Really quirky and a little dark in places but her voice is to die for.

Lawson – Chapman Square (Chapter Two)

Chapman Square remains one of my favourite albums. The guitar-driven tracks full of heartfelt lyrics and emotional messages really get me and I just think it’s an awesome album. This re-release with a few new tracks didn’t disappoint either. Whilst ‘Brokenhearted’ and ‘Juliet’ are songs I don’t consider to be the best representation of Lawson’s work, the other new tracks make up for them!

Keane – The Best Of Keane

I absolutely love Keane and so a Greatest Hits album from them is very much welcomed by me! They’re a huge inspiration to me as an amateur songwriter as their main instrument in most of their songs is the piano which is my main instrument. This makes Keane stand out as a band as they use an alternative instrument to the usual guitar in bands.

SO BAD THEY’RE GOOD

Britney Spears & Will.I.Am – Scream and shout

I have a love-hate relationship with Britney. I am more of a fan of cheesy, 90’s Britney than her latest work. This track is SO bad with Britney’s utterly bizarre attempt at a British accent but it also happens to be so damn catchy…

Britney Spears – Work bitch

Here she is again… There’s just something so satisfying with the lines “You’d better work bitch”. So bad, yet so damn good!

Robin Thicke & Pharell – Blurred Lines

I tried so hard to hate this, I really did, but I can’t. Its utterly sexist and repulsive video aside, the track is so repetitive and annoying yet horrendously catchy. Having it blasting from a car I was a passenger in made me realise that actually I do quite like it considering how annoying it also is.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Thrift Shop

I was undecided if this was one of my favourite songs of this year or whether this should be in this list here. I settled on this list. It’s not really horrendously bad, it’s just a little annoying but it’s also so damn catchy. Who doesn’t love to yell “This is f*****g awesome”, even in the clean radio edit version?!

The Wanted – Walks like Rihanna

I do quite like The Wanted lads but everything about this song should have put me off. I couldn’t help it, though. It’s so bloody brilliant! The lyrics are atrocious but it’s so damn catchy and bad that I can’t help but to love it!

One Direction – Best Song Ever

I confess that I do actually love One Direction’s music. Once again, this is so cheesy but it’s also awesome. There, I said it!

Robbie Williams & Dizzee Rascal – Goin’ crazy

Another song where I am still questioning if it should be in this list… The only reason it’s here is because of Dizzee Rascal. His tracks are so unnecessary but often so catchy too. I do absolutely love this song, no matter how random this collaboration was.

Miley Cyrus – Wrecking Ball

Dodgy video aside, this song is actually great. It may have the cheese-factor a little again but it’s an emotional and personal song and for that, I do love it. It’s just the fact we have to be subjected to a naked Miley swinging from side to side on a wrecking ball which kinda ruins it for me…

MOST ANNOYING SONGS

Michael Buble – It’s a beautiful day

I love Mr Buble, don’t get me wrong, but when you work in a shop that plays Heart all day long, you grow to hate him too. Heart appear to have a deal with Michael Buble and play his music a little too often. I was never majorly fussed on this song in the first place, never mind hearing it about 20 times a day.

Daft Punk – Get lucky

Oh I loved Daft Punk. Stuff like ‘Da funk’, ‘Robot rock’, ‘Harder better faster stronger’ are masterpieces. So was ‘Get Lucky’ on first listen before it got over exposure. I love the 70’s feel of it but it’s just so blimmin’ irritating after being played on every single radio station and TV programme there is.

Passenger – Let her go

It’s a sweet song but once again, over-exposure has taken this song and removed all meaning.

Olly Murs – Dear darling

I love Olly but I have heard this song far too many times in 2013.

Union J – Carry You

I have nothing against Union J, they’re a great band and George Shelley is a piece of phwoar. It’s just I never liked this song anyway and their album has been advertised WAAAYYY too much on YouTube meaning before every video I’ve had “I’ll carry yoooouuuu”. -.-

Avicii – Wake me up

Not a fan of Avicci. That is all.

Lily Allen – Somewhere only we know

I love Lily but this cover is completely unnecessary! If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! Keane’s version is one of the greatest songs ever written and I’m a massive fan of Keane and their original. I just can’t stand this Disney-like version. Ewww.

James Arthur – Impossible

Believe it or not I’m a fan of the original by Shontelle. When it came out I instantly fell in love with it. The lyrics are amazing and it’s an awesome song. I just can’t stand James’ version. The fact it’s been played excessively too doesn’t help.

The Lumineers – Ho Hey

Another great song. It’s just unfortunate that it’s been over-played.

So there we are, that’s my insight into this year in music. If you spent time reading all of that then thank you!

31 days of Christmas

December 31, 2013February 15, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

Day 31 Dina Carroll – The Perfect Year

So here we are! Last song in my 31 days of Christmas playlist and the last day of 2013. I thought this would be a perfect song to include as my last song in my playlist.

This is such a beautiful song which is originally from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Sunset Boulevard. It’s not really a Christmas song but is often regarded as such due to its reference of a new year. The lyrics are great and the track just screams 90’s! I love it. Such a silky smooth track and Dina’s voice is wonderful on it. True talent.

If you’ve followed my 31 days of Christmas playlist then thank you! It means a lot to know people actually read these and that I’m not just chatting away to myself 😉 I certainly hope you’ve enjoyed reading these entries as much as I have writing them. I promise to continue to blog on other matters in this next year. I hope you have a very happy new year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPt2fuW3sYI

31 days of Christmas

December 30, 2013February 15, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

Day 30 David Bowie and Bing Crosby – Peace On Earth/Little drummer boy

This is a last minute addition into my playlist, replacing another track. It was difficult to make this decision but after much thought, I realised I much preferred this song and couldn’t possibly exclude it! The song ‘Little drummer boy’ on its own does nothing for me. It’s a nice song but with nothing much to it. This, however, is another story. This is a combination of the 1941 song ‘Little drummer boy’, with a counter point (‘Peace on earth’) added to it.

Bing Crosby and David Bowie are both legends in their own right but this combination is just fantastic. Their voices blend so well to each other and it’s a beautiful performance. I think the two songs work fantastically together and it’s just perfect.

31 days of Christmas

December 29, 2013February 15, 2015 MarcyB0yLeave a comment

Day 29 Lady Antebellum – On This Winter’s Night

This is one of the more modern inclusions in my Christmas song playlist. I discovered this song this year after recalling that Lady Antebellum had released a Christmas album last year. I love this band, I think their songs are awesome and full of meaning. They are such a great addition to the Country music scene because they blend it with pop making it more accessible to the younger generation. Let’s face it ‘Need you now’ is a classic!

I fell in love with this song, the only original on the album, straight away. It’s so soft, so festive and beautiful. It reminds me of ‘Silent night’ with a country and R&B twist. Sounds strange but listen and you’ll hear what I mean. The harmonies are stunning and I love the call and response “On this winter’s night (We’ll look back on the year we’ve had) On this winter’s night (we’ll count our blessings)” – it’s just beautifully written and beautifully sung. It’s even got a children’s choir!

A fine addition to Christmas music.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBH3o5CQT0M