Tag: amateur journalist

Music Monday – Volume Seventy Eight

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) George Michael – Edith & The King Pin

Gorgeous jazz cover of Joni Mitchell’s 1975 ‘The Hissing of Summer Lawns’ album. George has always produced wonderful covers and this is no exception.

2) Anastacia – Left Outside Alone

Killer pop-rock track released eleven years ago (I know, I can’t quite believe it either!) Co-written by Anastacia with hit songwriters Dallas Austin and Glen Ballard, this was a huge pop hit upon release and remains a brilliant song.

3) Anastacia – You’ll Never Be Alone

Lovely, if slightly slushy, pop ballad by Anastacia. She truly is one of the most underrated pop acts in the world. What a voice!

4) Anastacia – Take This Chance

Uplifting and inspiring new track from Anastacia’s Greatest Hits compilation album. She’s still got it! Awesome song.

5) Carly Rae Jepsen – Tell Me

Carly Rae Jepsen’s debut album did not receive much attention upon release. I only came across it this week and fell in love. It’s different to the stuff she’s become well-known but each song is hugely enjoyable. This is a great acoustic-based ballad.

6) Carly Rae Jepsen – Sunshine on my shoulders

Lovely and relaxing cover of the John Denver track.

7) Carly Rae Jepsen – Worldly Matters

Another acoustic based pop track. The entire album is a hugely enjoyable listen – full of sunny & chirpy pop tracks.

8) Coldplay – Everglow

Classic Coldplay ballad but with greater electro elements. This is a promotional track for the band’s upcoming ‘A Head Full of Dreams’ album.

9) The 1975 – The Sound (Live)

MY GOD THIS IS GOOD.

Catchy as hell. I am SO ready for this next album.

10) The 1975 – Somebody Else (Live)

Cartchy 80’s-esque indie-pop track comprised of broken vocal samples, funky bass lines and slamming percussion. The 1975 at their best and a teasing insight into how the new album is going to sound.

One Direction – Made in the A.M Album Review

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

one-direction-album

Love or hate them, there is no denying One Direction’s footprint on and significance in Pop history. In a whirlwind five year career, they have won five Brit awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, cracked the U.S and smashed records all over the world. They have been without a doubt one of the most successful exports of the UK; the biggest band since The Beatles and Simon Cowell’s superlative product.

The release of fifth album ‘Made in the A.M.’ carries an assortment of emotions for a multitude of reasons. It’s the first without Zayn Malik since his departure earlier this year and it’s the band’s final album before their hiatus. Don’t be fooled into thinking the album has taken a slap-dash approach, however. It is quite the contrary; an enthralling amalgamation of tracks of different genres.

Overall, the album largely follows the same formula as previous One Direction albums. Songwriting duties are largely handed to long-term collaborators Julian Bunetta, Jamie Scott and Ed Drewett, with co-writing from all band members. Unlike previous albums, however, there is no material donated by superstar singer-songwriters. Members of McFly and Snow Patrol in addition to Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic & Ed Sheeran have all previously donated songs to the band but are noticeably absent from ‘Made in the A.M.’ Instead, the album is formed by a close-knit group of long-term One Direction songwriters.

Album opener ‘Hey Angel’ is a euphoric stadium-rock-influenced Pop track and is one of the best songs of One Direction’s career. It’s the band’s ‘Bittersweet Symphony’, comprised of rich orchestration, heavy stop-start percussion and is built around very few chords. ‘End of the Day’ captures similar levels of euphoria through an irresistible hand-clap Chorus. Lead single, The Police-influenced ‘Drag Me Down’ is still a powerful track with its funky reggae-styled bass riffs and its dubstep-informed chorus. Likewise, second single ‘Perfect’ is an emotive, anthemic track featuring reverberating sounds and punchy percussion whilst ‘Never Enough’ utilises a mesh of acapella vocals, a shuffling beat and Jack Johnson-like guitar strums before launching into a heavier chorus. Many elements are tossed into the mix including brass instruments, distorted synthesisers and Michael Jackson Dirty Diana-esque ‘Come on!’s’. ‘Olivia’ is another of the more enjoyable tracks from the album on which the One Direction lads have a whale of a time cramming as many syllables as possible into the verses. It’s the closest the band have come to imitating The Beatles musically and is effortlessly catchy. The band channel Fleetwood Mac on another of the album’s highlights ‘What a Feeling’, comprised of gorgeous layered harmonies and funky bass and guitar riffs. In fact, the band’s harmonies have never been cleaner and they play a significant role in the album’s success.

As always, the ballads form some of the album’s best moments. ‘If I Could Fly’ is a gentle ballad comprised of little more than a piano, cello and strings whilst ‘Infinity’ is a lovely rock-ballad which mimics Coldplay circa 2005, sounding uncannily like ‘Fix You’ during its explosive climax. The folk-infused ‘I Want to Write You a Song’ is beautifully simple and a lovely moment in the album. ‘Long Way Down’ is one of the album’s less commercial ballads but is a particular highlight. Led by gentle guitar strums, and Country-influenced wailing guitars with a low-key Chorus, it’s an exquisite addition to the album and is at times reminiscent of some of Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers’ best material in the late nineties. Another stand-out moment is found in ‘Love You Goodbye’, a track which opens tenderly with gentle piano chords & jittering synths before evolving into an emotive pop-rock ballad. It’s classic One Direction but captures far more maturity than their previous work. The weeping electric guitars which frame the second and third chorus is a beautiful addition and it is without a doubt one of One Direction’s best tracks.

Album closer ‘History’ is an enjoyable acoustic guitar-based track and whilst it rather bizarrely sounds like a Disney musical track, it closes ‘Made in the A.M.’ perfectly.

It’s clear the lads have used their influences and Pop heroes to shape the album. Michael Jackson, Jack Johnson, Coldplay, The Verve and Fleetwood Mac are just some of the artists mimicked but its this diverse range of influences which makes the album so rich in various genres.

The album is not quite as compelling as ‘Four’, but is a diverse and hugely enjoyable album nevertheless.

  • Rating: 4/5
  • Album Highlights: Hey Angel, Perfect, Long Way Down, Olivia, What a Feeling, Love You Goodbye.

‘Made in the A.M.’ is available now on Columbia/Syco records.

Nothing But Thieves – Nothing But Thieves Album Review

MarcyB0y1 Comment

nbt

The commercial music industry is a competitive market and one which hundreds of bands battle to break into, many in vain. Every now and then, however, a British rock band seemingly appears from nowhere and hits the big time. Armed with the support of BBC Radio 1 and a legion of fans,  Nothing But Thieves are the latest band to do just that with their self-titled début album.

Since their formation in 2012, the alternative rock band from Southend-On-Sea (Essex) have been on a steady upward pilgrimage. In addition to their three EPs released sporadically over the past two years, the band’s single ‘Itch’ was featured by Radio 1 as track of the day. They also landed support act slots on tours by the likes of Arcade Fire, George Ezra and Muse. Not bad for three years work.

Eponymous début album ‘Nothing But Thieves’ is undoubtedly one of the best alternative rock albums of recent years. Aided by lead singer Conor Mason’s haunting, ever-endearing vocals and an anthology of durable rock anthems, ‘Nothing But Thieves’ is a delectable album from start to finish.

The album aims to please from the outset but without a hint of desperation. The influences are clear – Jeff Buckley, Radiohead and U2 moments are littered throughout the sixteen track LP but avoid detracting from the band’s idiosyncratic sound. The Jeff Buckley-esque ‘Excuse Me’ is a killer opener to the album, on which haunting verses evolve into an epic chorus with an incredible vocal performance by Mason. Likewise, ‘Ban All The Music’ is abundant with belligerent guitar riffs whilst the riffs used in ‘Wake Up Call’ mimic those in Pink Floyd’s ‘Dogs’. ‘Trip Switch’, the single release which largely propelled the album features an enormous stadium-rock anthem chorus, utilising the trip switch metaphor to signify the end of a relationship. ‘Hostage’ is abundant with wailing guitars and a killer hook whilst the hook in ‘Honey Whiskey’ features almost operatic vocal moments.

Elsewhere, the band convey a softer side on ballads which punctuate the album beautifully. Mason’s falsetto drifts effortlessly over gentle guitar strums on ‘If I Get High’, a ballad reminiscent of Radiohead which builds to an extravagant climax. Likewise, ‘Graveyard Whistling’ conveys a vulnerability rarely found in contemporary music. ‘Lover Please Stay’, one of the album’s highlights, is a gorgeous acoustic ballad on which Mason uncannily resembles Jeff Buckley; his falsetto vocals fluttering gently over lamenting guitars. It’s a track which really showcases his superlative vocals; every note is aching with sincerity.

It’s an album impossible to pick holes in, one on which album fillers and weak material is noticeably absent. Every song from start to finish is exceptionally written and produced, from its profound lyrics to its huge choruses and catchy hooks. Nothing But Thieves have created a masterful stadium-ready album; an outstanding début.

Rating: 5/5.
Highlights: ‘Excuse Me’, ‘Trip Switch’, ‘If I Get High’, ‘Graveyard Whistling’, ‘Hostage’, ‘Lover, Please Stay’, ‘Hostage’.

‘Nothing But Thieves’ is available now on RCA Victor Records.

Music Monday – Volume Seventy Three

MarcyB0yLeave a comment

1) Shura and Mura Masa – Love For That

Shura teams up with Mura Masa on this chilled-out EDM track. Mura Masa provides the instrumentation, utilising sounds reminiscent of pan pipes, orchestral strings and steel pans whilst Shura’s syrupy vocals are layered on top. A unique and enjoyable track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFFwyen7B8Y

2) Snow Patrol – Take Back the City

Epic driving rock anthem by alternative rock band Snow Patrol. Reportedly a testament of frontman Gary Lightbody’s love of Belfast, it’s an empowering track slightly reminiscent of ’80’s glam rock.

3) Janet Jackson – Broken Hearts Heal

Sugary sweet disco track which serves as a tribute to Janet’s brother Michael both lyrically and musically. Lyrical content addresses their growing up together and a more care-free phase. Musically, the track is heavily reminiscent of Michael’s catchy and soulful material on début solo album ‘Off The Wall’, particularly upon the emergence of bells during the final minute. Irresistibly sweet and catchy.

4) Janet Jackson – Take Me Away

Emotive and desolate track evidently about the aftermath of brother Michael’s death. Drawing upon electro-rock influences, it features an epic and grand chorus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju-SM5RRCqs

5) Daniel Bedingfield – Wrap My Words Around You

Brilliant and overlooked track by Daniel Bedingfield, released back in 2005 as the second single from his album ‘Second first Impression’. Gentle acoustic-based verses develop into a huge chorus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AszYikBORDA

6) Kate Winslet- What if

Gorgeous and emotive ballad written by Steve Mac and Wayne Hector (pop gurus responsible for material by the likes of Westlife and JLS). The song was written for and featured in the animated version of Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’. Upon Winslet’s request, all proceeds from the single went to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Sargent Cancer Care for Children. It was largely successful, peaking at Number Six in the UK charts and still receiving airplay today.

7) Nothing but Thieves – Wake Up Call

Nothing But Thieves are by far one of the best bands currently around in the UK. Formed in 2012, they are a five-piece alternative rock band from Southend-on-sea in Essex. Front man Conor Mason’s vocals carry a gorgeous tone – powerful, unique and slightly eerily like Jeff Buckley. The contrast between Mason’s falsetto vocals and the heavy rock instrumentation in the chorus works beautifully.

8) Take That – Hey Boy

It’s back to the 80’s for the Take That lads with their incredible new single ‘Hey Boy’. Continuing the fun pop sound they explored on ‘III’ with the likes of Greg Kurstin, John Shanks, Stuart Price & Mattman and Robin, this is the lead single from the 2015 repackaged edition of ‘III’. The Nile Rodgers/Chic-like disco riffs return amongst stomping percussion, a funky bass line and rich harmonies.

9) One Direction – Perfect

From one boyband to another, this is the latest single from One Direction. ‘Perfect’ is a mid-tempo pop ballad which draws upon stadium-rock influences. Harry Styles presumably steers the song lyrically; most of the song appears to be a dig at ex Taylor Swift. It’s the most enjoyable of the material from forthcoming album ‘Made in the A.M.’ so far, an emotive and powerful pop track.

10) Nothing But Thieves – Lover Please Stay

Stunning, raw and emotionally charged ballad from Nothing But Thieves’ self-titled début album. If any other material by the band wasn’t enough to reinforce Conor Mason’s Jeff Buckley-like vocals, this track will affirm it. Utilising only gentle guitars and Mason’s powerful and aching vocals, this is music at its best.