Never fear, Music Edition #3 is finally here! And I’ve got some grand bands, albums and tracks for you to check out this week.
You can listen along with the Spotify Playlist:
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As always, if you have anything you would like to suggest for the Music Edition, then feel free to contact me at: catsickblog@gmail.com.
3 Albums
- Mallory Knox – Signals: In the last Music Edition I tipped these boys as my “ones to watch”. Since then I have seen them live at the Radio 1 Future Festival (watch the whole set here) and they’ve released an album, and boy is this one hell of an album! I have tried resisting playing it on repeat, but it is amazing. The vocals of front man Mikey Chapman are incredible, and they have nailed a sound that makes them stand out from the crowd. ‘Lighthouse’ is still my favourite track, but the softer, more mellow sound of ‘Bury Your Head’ sends shivers down my spine. I have yet to find a fault with this album, and doubt I ever will. Produced by Dan Lancaster this album is a must have to your collection.
- Taylor Swift – Red: If you know me, you’ll know that I think Taylor Swift and I are twins separated at birth. I think it’s mostly her love of cats that convinces me of this. I was lucky enough to be given a copy of ‘Red’, especially as it still hasn’t appeared on Spotify. Yes, Taylor’s songs are mostly about her multitude of not-so-successful relationships with various men, but I guess that’s why a lot of girls like it. She makes songs we can relate to. We’ve been there, we feel Taylor’s pain, and do you know how satisfying it is belting out a Swifty song at the top of your lungs when you’re feeling miserable about a boy? (Just me, then?) What I like most about this album is that it shows Taylor’s growth. No longer is she singing about fairy tales and princes to a folk tune, but she’s showing her strength and maturity with a harsher beat (as proved in ‘I knew you were trouble‘). If you’re sceptical, just give it a try.
- Serafina Steer – The Moths Are Real: Always a sucker for a female singer, but a female singer who can also play the harp? WOW. ‘The Moths Are Real’ was recommended to me on Spotify, and so I decided to check it out. What struck me most was her lyrics – they’re witty and speak the truth. These aren’t ballads whining about a love lost, full of clichés, No. Each song paints a picture. Add this to her incredible harp & piano playing, electro sounds, and a mesmerizing voice, Serafina has truly created a work of an art. My favourite track so far has to be ‘Ballad of Brick Lane’ which starts with the lyrics:
“I don’t know why I’m heading to Brick Lane, I hate it there, like every body does. I haven’t been there for ages. I like to try on old shoes, and pretty faces.” I will definitely be keeping my eyes and ears open for this lady.
3 Tracks
- Disclosure feat. Sam Smith – Latch: To say I’m obsessed with this song would be an understatement. I literally can not get enough of it. I went through a phase of being sick of its over play on Radio 1, but now I’m back to loving it, especially after having seen Disclosure and Sam Smith perform live at the Radio 1 Future Festival (which you can check out for yourself here) Although this track was released in October of last year, I feel that it’s only getting the recognition it deserves now. It’s a modern garage track complete with Sam Smith’s exceptional vocals. This is one of those songs you put on to get you pumped for a night out, or simply press play when you’re on the bus to perk yourself up. Every ipod and Spotify user needs this in their lives.
- Bastille – Haunt: Sometimes I’ll add songs to my “new music” playlist and not really register what they are. When I do this, there’s usually a song that will later catch me off guard. Haunt was the perfect example. Walking home one night it started playing, and all I wanted to do was stand still and take it all in, listen to it word for word as it sent chills down my spine. It’s beautiful, angelic and powerful. The B-Side to Bastille’s single ‘Bad Blood’, this beauty is worth checking out.
- Bruno Mars – Moonshine: Having been a huge fan of Bruno Mars’ ‘Doo-Wops & Hooligans’ album, I had high hopes for his follow-up – ‘Unorthodox Jukebox’, unfortunately I’m struggling to fall in love with it. But I am currently digging the fifth track on the album – ‘Moonshine’. It definitely holds a Michael Jackson vibe, and shows off Bruno Mars’ soulful voice. It’s a simple, angelic track with a catchy beat that so far, I can listen to again and again and still adore. I just need the rest of the album to grow on me now..
Golden Oldie: Carole King – The Living Room Tour
Carole King was introduced to me by my Dad who went through a period of only listening to her ‘Tapestry’ album when I asked him to put music on. I liked Carole’s sound then, and I still like it now. I like it even more so after I realised she was the one who sang ‘Where You Lead’, the theme song from Gilmore Girls (one of my favourite shows which she also starred in as ‘Sophie’ the record store owner). The album was recorded in 2004-2005 during a tour that followed an actual string of performances in living rooms. If you’re a young ‘un like me, you’ll recognise a few of these songs that have been covered over the years. It’s flawless and easy to listen to, so pop it on in the Living Room, sit back and imagine like you’re really at one of her shows..
Ones to Watch: Bwani Junction
Picture the scene. Isle of Wight festival 2012. The sun is setting on Bruce Springsteen who is rocking out the hits on the main stage. You’re several drinks in, when someone sneezes. Not knowing who it is, out of politeness you say “bless you”. You realise it’s the guy walking past you. He says “Thank You” and tries to get back to his friends. Next thing you know, your Mum (who has also had a few) has struck up conversation with him and discovered he is in a band. That, ladies and gentlemen is how I met the lead singer of Bwani Junction. Later on in the evening, I got talking to the drummer and guitarist in the bar (Where some sort of after party seemed to be happening, guests of which included – NAME DROP ALERT – Matt Cardle, who got very drunk , Ronan Keating , who I wanted to marry when I was 4, and Paulo Nutini, who was so drunk he had to be put in a taxi and sent home before 10.30pm). We spent pretty much most of the night talking about festivals, their band and The Vaccines, who had performed earlier that day on the main stage, and who they introduced me to in this pub (lovely bunch of guys, just a shame I had missed their set to drink cider and sunbath..oops). This is all very lovely, but I had never actually heard of Bwani Junction, so when I eventually made it back home the next evening I searched for them on Spotify, and up came “Fully Cocked” their debut album which was released in November 2011. Their catchy, tribal beats, distinctive vocals and guitar riffs had me hooked from the word go. I basically listened to the album on repeat for a good few weeks (and still do every now and then) They have created their own unique sound, that I can’t get enough of. It’s not too heavy, so I love putting it on in the afternoons at work to keep me going. Not long after the festival the boys had a London gig and I went along to see them in action. They did not disappoint. Having met the band before the music had its advantages, because it gave me the confidence to go say hello to them afterwards and tell them how much I genuinely loved their music. They’re a lovely Scottish four-piece, who are great fun. This year they’ve got a new album on its way that I’m eagerly awaiting, having heard a few of the new tracks on various acoustic sessions. I expect there will be a tour, not to mention more festival stints in the summer. They’ve got a huge following already, but no doubt that will grow even more. 2013 will definitely be their year, and I’ll definitely be buying them a drink if they’re at Isle of Wight again!
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