ARTICLES

Find some pieces I wrote on my alternative site:

Xfactor


Paramore

Leave your thoughts or comments.

DECEMBER 2010 PLAYLIST

A playlist coming to you every first of the month... [just click the title]...

MM: Explosion

As mashups go, no one arranges songs quite like these two.

Sam Tsui and Kurt Schneider who post videos under the Youtube name KurtHugoSchneider have to be some of the most famous youtube users. Their clever combinations of seemingly oppsing melodies makes their music an always interesting and enjoyable event.

This is their latest mashup featuring 'Firework' by Katy Perry, 'Grenade' by Bruno Mars and 'Dynamite' by Taio Cruz.

MM: Miracles

Norwegian Recycling - Miracles by peterbull

For the first post on MASHUP MONDAY , this is Norwegian Recycling’s ‘Miracles’. A mix of mainly contemporary mainstream pop and R&B, with one or two classic tunes added in. It makes for an original and very creative alternative at a party or just a nice addition for your iTunes.

‘Norwegian Recycling’ is the ’stage name’ for Peter Bull who arranges these mashups. As well as usual popular music in his creation, he recently made a mix of Harry Potter clips and soundtrack music which can be found on his website.

http://norwegianrecycling.net/
http://www.last.fm/music/Norwegian+Recycling

Definitely worth a look… 

[Songs Used:]

1. Bruno Mars - Just the Way You Are
2. B.o.B feat. Bruno Mars - Nothin’ On You
3. Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
4. Britney Spears - Hit Me Baby (One More Time)
5. Jason Derulo - In My Head
6. Justin Timberlake - My Love
7. Lady Gaga - Just Dance
8. Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love
9. Ne-Yo - So Sick
10. Michael Jackson - Black or White
11. Snoop Dogg - Sexual Eruption
12. Survivor - Eye of the Tiger
13. Taylor Swift - Fifteen
14. Taylor Swift - Fearless
15. Savage Garden - The Animal Song
16. Snoop Dogg feat. Justin Timberlake - Signs

Mashup Monday

Every Monday -  Showcasing a collection of artists or bands who have performed or created medleys/original mashups.

WW: Always Attract

This week, I offer one of my all-time favourite tracks:

'Always Attract' is a track by You Me At Six from their debut album 'Take Off Your Colours' (released in 2008).

Previously on this blog I have sited You Me At Six as one of my three must-have bands and this is definitely a song which also deserves a mention.

What I love about it is the guitar melodies and the strong harmonies with their guest female singer who happens to be none other than Elissa Franceschi, sister to lead singer, Josh Franceschi.

If you're a fan of songs which build up the suspense right until the end, this is definitely one worth a listen.
Seriously one of the most underrated songs on this album.

Have a listen:

http://www.last.fm/music/You+Me+At+Six/_/Always+Attract

WW: Joe Brooks

Joe Brooks is a singer/songwriter from Southampton, UK.

He is an artist who gathered his initial following from Myspace after being inspired to learn the guitar at age 16. His page receives some of the highest amounts of hits on Myspace, with his single 'Superman' outplaying bands such as Oasis.
Now 23, Joe Brooks has just released his debut album 'Constellation Me' this September.

I found it hard to categorise him as I would say if you like acoustic, you'll definitely like him and if you like indie, you probably like him as he would be in the more indie-alternative-acoustic category (if that's even a category).

His music speaks for itself though. It's easy going, lighthearted music that reminds me of the summer, perfect for lazy days, his voice neither too weak or too overwhelming.

Personal favourites would include 'Superman','Hello Mr. Sun' and 'Five Days of Summer'.

Having spent the past year or so on tour in the US and completing his album in L.A., he is back in the UK for his home tour this winter. So if you like the sound of him, it might be worth grabbing yourself a ticket...I know I'll be trying.

http://www.myspace.com/joebrooksmusic
http://www.last.fm/music/Joe%2520Brooks?ac=joe%20broo
http://www.cambio.com/shows/cambio-music/cambio-music-with-joe-brooks

Enjoy.

WW: Intuition

This weeks WW is in fact a current favourite, perfect for early mornings and days where you feel totally unmotivated and uninspired.

'Intuition' by Selena Gomez & The Scene (featuring Eric Bellinger) has got the perfect amount of catchy melodies and lyrics with upbeat rhythm and just a general motivating feeling...must be the electro-beat/ techno-pop working its magic.

The song is from her second studio album 'A Year Without Rain' which became available in the UK at the beginning of this month. A sample can be heard from her website:
http://www.selenagomez.com/release/36351/view

If you're in need of something different to lighten the mood, I would definitely recommend this.

Enjoy...leave your thoughts...

Punk Goes...

For anyone who loves song covers, the 'Punk Goes...' series made by Fearless Records are records which expose them to different interpretations of some of the 'most listened to' songs.

This year, Fearless Records are releasing 'Punk Goes Pop Volume 3'.
From a couple of the 'Punk Goes...' series I've found some absolute gems so I thought for any alternative fans or just curious people this could be something worth looking at...

Here's the track list:

1. Breathe Carolina - 'Down' (Originally by Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne)
2. Woe, Is Me - 'Hot 'N Cold' (Originally by Katy Perry)
3. Artist Vs Poet - 'Bad Romance' (Originally by Lady GaGa)
4. Mayday Parade - 'In My Head' (Originally by Jason Derülo)
5. Asking Alexandria - 'Right Now (Na Na Na)' (Originally by Akon)
6. This Century - 'Paper Planes' (Originally by M.I.A.)
7. The Word Alive - 'Heartless' (Originally by Kanye West)
8. Family Force 5 - 'Bulletproof' (Originally by La Roux)
9. Of Mice & Men - 'Blame It' (Originally by Jamie Foxx ft. T-Pain)
10. Miss May I - 'Run This Town' (Originally by Jay-Z ft. Kanye West and Rihanna)
11. The Ready Set - 'Airplanes' (Originally by B.o.B ft. Hayley Williams)
12. Cute Is What We Aim For - 'Dead And Gone' (Originally by T.I. ft. Justin Timberlake)
13. Sparks The Rescue - 'Need You Now' (Originally by Lady Antebellum)
14. We Came As Romans - 'My Love' (Originally by Justin Timberlake ft. T.I.)

While we can debate on whether the bands covering the songs are actually punk bands and if the songs being covered are actually pop songs, the real idea of these records (in my opinion) is 'alternative covering mainstream'.

Currently only samples of each song can be heard on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Punk-Goes-Three-digital-booklet/dp/B0047P3Q3M
I do warn, not all the covers on this record will be everyone's piece of cake (and not mine either).
I don't think it's as good as some of their previous records. However, (from the samples) I am looking forward to 'In My Head', 'Paper Planes' and 'Dead and Gone'.


[The full album goes on sale Nov 1/2 on iTunes and other major online retailers]

A full version of 'In My Head', 'Down' and 'Right Now (Na Na Na)' can be found to listen to at:
http://www.myspace.com/punkgoes

Recommendations from previous albums:
Silverstein - 'Apologize' (Originally by One Republic)-Punk Goes Pop Vol 2
The Almost - 'Free Fallin'' (Originally by Tom Petty)-Punk Goes Classic Rock
NeverShoutNever - 'Bohemian Rhapsody' (Originally by Queen)-Punk Goes Classic Rock
Mayday Parade - 'When I Grow Up' (Originally by The Pussycat Dolls)-Punk Goes Pop Vol 2
The Cab - 'Disturbia' (Originally by Rihanna)-Punk Goes Pop Vol 2
All Time Low - 'Umbrella' (Originally by Rihanna)-Punk Goes Crunk
The Maine - 'I Wanna Love You' (Originally by Akon)-Punk Goes Crunk
Further Seems Forever - 'Bye,Bye,Bye' (Originally by N'Sync)-Punk Goes Pop Vol 1
Dynamite Boy - 'I Want It That Way' (Originally by Backstreet Boys)-Punk Goes Pop Vol 1
Cartel - 'Wonderwall' (Originally by Oasis)-Punk Goes 90's
Plain White T's - 'Song 2' (Originally by Blur)-Punk Goes 90'

Leave your thoughts...

WW: Mumford Madness

Mumford & Sons, the four piece band are part of the now seemingly expanding genre dubbed as 'Nu-Folk'. But before you conjure too strong an image into your mind, it's not really what you would expect.

You're sure to have heard of them if you're a festival-goer or even a lover of country, bluegrass or folk music. They along with Laura Marling, Marcus Foster etc make up the genre of 'nu-folk'.
Their first huge performance was Glastonbury in 2008 and the release of their album in October 2009, the band has been gaining popularity ever since, most recently seen in the rise of the album in the No. 1 download position in the iTunes store and even their single 'Little Lion Man' in the top 10.

The band have the perfect mix of sounds, achieved by their strong lead singer, Marcus Mumford's raw voice blended with the tight harmonies of his fellow band mates and the addition of a banjo and various other folk sounds which pleasantly makes for something great for your ears.
[Yes, while banjos may not be the obvious choice for all bands out there, the instrument itself has gained much popularity since 2008 for music-making.]

But it doesn't stop there. Mumford & Sons are set apart by their use of such a variety of influences...apart from their contemporaries as well as country and western folk music, the band have influences from the eastern hemisphere such as Indian folk music which is prominent on the clips of their song 'To Darkness' found on their Myspace page:

http://www.myspace.com/mumfordandsons


The band seek to keep exploring the boundaries of their genre, making for an exiting and refreshing change to the mainstream music found today. Definitely a favourite.

WW Catchup: VMA recap

OK so I know I missed a Wednesday, so attempts to regularise posts can already be classed as fail.
I thought instead I'd just write about the performances at the VMA's which were over a week ago, but I only got a chance to watch the full thing this week.

'The Video Music Awards' are probably one of the biggest music awards around (bar a few exceptions).
It's always an interesting show and I thought this one didn't disappoint.
There were quite a lot of excellent videos up for nominations and apart from Lady Gaga's 8 out of 13 wins, the rest were pretty hard to call. What everyone was most looking forward to was obviously the return of  Kanye West.

As we all know, after last year's VMA incident, he has been keeping a pretty low profile. But he was back with the honour of ending the show. Both he and Taylor Swift performed songs from their new records and predictably were about the incident. I was quite intrigued to see how this would play out....and it was quite surprising actually.
I thought it would be really cringe-worthy to watch, but both songs (I thought) were pretty good (and definitely listenable), in fact some have even gone as far to say that Kanye's song was his 'best single yet'.

While Taylor's song 'Innocent' was probably more obviously based on the incident, apart from a few lines ('32 and still growing up now') it was a surprisingly subtle approach from an artist who is known to in effect 'name-and shame' her 'enemies'.
Kanye's song 'Runaway' seemed to be more about the mistakes throughout his life with an apologetic tone and he didn't disappoint as the final performance really made the end of the show.

If we're honest, it's hard to know whether that was the end of all that drama and a sceptic would say it's all about publicity (which I don't deny).
Taylor got her apology and Kanye got his career back. Publicity stunt or not....Either way it's a win-win ...right?

[Performances are only viewable from the MTV website if you live in the US.]
[Taylor Swift's song 'Innocent' will be on her latest album 'Speak Now' which will be released onto iTunes (UK) next month.]
[Kanye West's single 'Runaway' is available to the US in a week, UK release set for November]

WW: Not Like The Movies

Ok, so cutting it close, but you know, it's just about still Wednesday here in the UK... (not that anyone really cares)


But moving on...
This week's WW is from the newly released album (well newly released here in the UK) 'Teenage Dream' by Katy Perry.

Well of course, practically everyone has heard 'Teenage Dream' by now and seen the video as well as for 'California Gurls' (and if you haven't....well no offence... but have you been under a rock?)
However, this song is a total contrast....a slow, sad song that is totally different....think more like 'Thinking of You' and you're along the right lines.
I love everything about this piece, the muted percussion to the lyrics and melody lines.

'Not Like the Movies' is probably one of the most understated songs on the album...but always worth a listen.

http://www.myspace.com/katyperry/music/albums/teenage-dream-16437145

Enjoy.

WW: Brooklyn

Ironically the first song of WW is by a band called Wakey!Wakey!
Well technically it's a band, but they are mostly known by their frontman, Michael Grubbs.

It's hard to put them into a certain genre....though I guess 'indie' would best describe it?

Anyway, Wakey!Wakey! are the kind of band which you would hear as the soundtrack to 'One Tree Hill' and infact, their song 'War Sweater' was the opening song for the finale of season six.[which for all OTH fans is one of, if not the saddest episode]

Their frontman, Michael Grubbs is actually in OTH season seven as the bartender 'Grubbs' and their music features again in season seven and one of the pieces featured is 'Brooklyn'.

It's one of those dramatic pieces, with big melodic lines and its definitely one of my current favourites.

If you're a fan of big romantic-style piano solos, this is surely worth a listen.

They released their latest album 'Almost Everything I Wish I'd Said The Last Time I Saw You' early this year and it also has some great songs.


http://wakeywakeymusic.com/

http://www.last.fm/music/Wakey%21Wakey%21


Enjoy.

WW: Wildcard Wednesdays

Ok, so in an attempt to make this blog a little more regular than it is, I decided on the idea of posting a song/band once a week.

So every Wednesday I'll let the 'shuffle' setting on my iTunes decide what music to share.

So yeah. That's all I have to say for the moment...keep you posted.

THREE MUST-HAVE BANDS

Now I can't say I've listened to every band in the history of bands.....but if I were to pick three I would recommend for ANYONE (regardless of music taste) to listen to.....well it would be these three(in no particular order):
----Paramore
----You Me At Six
----The Maine


Ok, so all three probably fall under similar category/genre types and you'd probably find it hard to get a someone solely into Hip Hop (or such as) to listen to it, but I genuinly think that it is impossible to dislike any of these three.


Paramore of course is probably the most well known of the three, with many hits such as 'Misery Business', 'That's What You Get' and 'Decode' . Voted 'Best International Band' at this year's NME awards, I don't have to justify why they're so great, they just are....like any good band, its melodies are strong, tunes catchy and lyrics are meanigful; and even though they're best known for writing fast-tempo loud 'shout-it-out-loud' kind of anthems, their slower songs such as 'The Only Exception' are jsut as good if not better.
If you've only a few of the songs that Paramore have written, I would definitely recommend listening to 'Where the Lines Overlap' and 'Looking Up' from their latest album 'Brand New Eyes'. These are two of my favourite songs, they're upbeat, motivating sort of affairs which are certain to lift your mood if you are having an awful day, or even if you just need a wake up.
http://www.paramore.net/


You Me At Six are the british band on this list. Set to be one of the biggest british bands, they certainly have been very sucessful with their album 'Hold Me Down' which debuted at #5 in the charts and are now on a US tour with a UK tour later this year.  For those of you who occasionally flick through MTV channels or such proabably have seen the video for their single 'Liquid Confidence' which is undoubtely up their with their best songs. Again like any good band (and all three on the list) they have the catchy melodies and riffs.
If you've only heard 'Liquid Confidence' I'd definitely say listen to MORE. I would recommend a listen to 'Stay With Me' slightly slower and more melancholy as well as 'Fireworks' which is a slower song which for some reasons provokes me to think of a sad version of 'Chasing Cars'. If you want more upbeat stuff, 'Underdog' is definitely a great song for motivation and 'Kiss and Tell'.
http://www.myspace.com/youmeatsix


And last but not least, The Maine.....a favourite on my iTunes for a while now, I haven't got tired of these songs yet and I find myself on the hunt for more from them...
They not really that well known in the UK, [it's the one band name that is always greeted by confused faces when i mention it] but I don't think it's a reflection on their music...they are the newest band on my list and will be doing their first headlining tour through the USA this summer so I hopefully think they'll be coming over soon.
Recommendations are mostly from their album 'Can't Stop, Won't Stop' and they include 'We All Roll Along', 'I Must Be Dreaming', 'Everything I Ask For' and 'Girls Do What They Want' ....all very up-tempo, great mood lifters...work wonders on a monday morning. And then the more slower ones, such as 'Whoever She Is' and 'Into Your Arms'.
http://www.myspace.com/themaine


So maybe...just maybe I have changed a little piece of your life....and if not....if you already knew all these bands, then i'm so glad i'm not the only one. Tell me what you think...
Enjoy.

Jeremy Warmsley

This guy.... well I just loved this song and the video the first time I heard it and even though its been ages, its one of those songs which I still listen to again and again so it definitely deserves a mention....








Enjoy.

THE GAGA LAW

Well no doubt Lady Gaga has had an amazing year and she's bound to do just as well in 2010. She's one of those artists that you love or hate. With her show-stopping and 'outrageous' choice of outfits, you'd be forgiven to think she may be slightly insane. But infact it's just the pure genius of Gaga.
Producing a number of hits, it would be pointless if I was just to reccomend them. However, if you want to see what she's best at, you should definitely be listening to the acoustic versions of her songs...just her voice and the piano.
That's the real genius.
Unlike a lot of artists, Gaga's acoustic versions of her records are totally different to the ones we hear on the radio....they're just as good,...infact they're better.
It's a must if you haven't already.

here's a link to a performance of  'Papparazzi' and 'Poker Face' :

Papparazzi:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9sLTG52N8o

Poker Face: www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CUYvWTd6oA

Enjoy.

STEREO DECADE

This is a local band for me...
Having released their first single on Itunes in October 09 and going on theire first tour, they are just starting to make it.


I would definitely recommend listening to 'Slow Down' (which is the single they released), as well as any of the stuff they have on there.


www.myspace.com/stereodecade
http://www.last.fm/music/Stereo+Decade

 Enjoy.

EVERY AVENUE

Had this song in my head for over a week now, so I might aswell tell you about it
It's fairly old, but it's definitely worth a listen if you haven't heard it....


'Think of You Later (In My Empty Room)' by Every Avenue.
It's from their 2008 album 'Shh. Just Go With It'
 www.myspace.com/everyavenue


Hope you like.

'Almost Alice'

Tim Burton's 'Alice In Wonderland' is one of the films I am most looking forward to seeing this year.

And the soundtrack listing which was released a week ago is not a dissapointment. Titled 'Almost Alice' , it's loaded with some great bands/artists.

Here's the full list:

1.  “Alice (Underground)”  by Avril Lavigne

2.  “The Poison”  by The All-American Rejects

3.  “The Technicolor Phase”  by Owl City

4.  “Her Name Is Alice”  by Shinedown

5.  “Painting Flowers” by All Time Low

6.  “Where’s My Angel”  by Metro Station

7.  “Strange”  by Tokio Hotel and Kerli

8.  “Follow Me Down”  by 3OH!3 feat. Neon Hitch

9.  “Very Good Advice”  by Robert Smith

10. “In Transit”  by Mark Hoppus with Pete Wentz

11. “Welcome to Mystery”  by Plain White T’s

12. “Tea Party”  by Kerli

13. “The Lobster Quadrille”  by Franz Ferdinand

14. “Running Out of Time”  by Motion City Soundtrack

15. “Fell Down a Hole” by Wolfmother

16. “White Rabbit”  by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals


You can tell it's gonna be good.

The album is being released March 2nd 2010, but you can already listen to Owl City's 'The Technicolour Phase' and 30H!3's 'Follow Me Down'.

Enjoy.

Pendulum

An electro-rock band from Australia


Their music is lively with great beats [and I think it's great to listen to when running or if you're painting or something creative]. It will definitely keep you going.


Their international tour starts in London today with a preview of their new album 'Immersion'.
Reccomend 'Different' and 'Propane Nightmares'


 www.pendulum.com


Enjoy.

PRETTY RECKLESS

Browsing through some pages on the net and i stumbled upon this band....
Called The Pretty Reckless, they were signed last June and are bound to be brekaing out this year. Their other claim to fame? The 'front man'...or girl I should say is Taylor Momsen.


For those of you who watch Gossip Girl, you will know her as Jenny Humphrey and for the others, you might know her as the little girl named 'Cindy-lou Who' from 'The Grinch' (2000) [and if you dont know either of those....where have you been?]  At only 16, Taylor and her band are already performing at many clubs in New York.


I have to admit, I was sceptical, but I was suprised [in a good kind of way] by the music. Her voice is far different to what I expected and so is their sound. Although they only have a couple of songs on their myspace, I thought it was really good.
So I suggest you all listen. If rock is your thing, I'm sure you'll like.


www.myspace.com/theprettyreckless


Enjoy.

mmm whatcha sayyyy

Maybe one of the most catchiest lines ever....

Most people will know it from the chorus of Jason Derulo's single 'Whatcha Say'.
However most people fail to credit the chorus [which face it...is the BEST part] to the right artist.

This part is a sample from a song called 'Hide and Seek' by Imogen Heap.
The song is not new, but due to Derulo's use of it, the song is making itself known.

If you are unfamiliar with this song, I suggest a listen, it's totally different to anything else there...the somewhat dischordant harmonies work well to create a piece of musical genius.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=32uLuBL9o-Pc

Hope you like.

NICK JONAS AND THE ADMINISTRATION

Yesterday, the first video for Nick Jonas and the Administration was uploaded on youtube.


As you may well know Nick Jonas (the youngest Jonas Brother) has started a new music project under this new band name and I was pleasantly suprised by the song. Its got a good beat and a nice message.
Even if you are no big fan of the Jonas Brothers, you should definitely give this a listen.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9GF_TIDcvc


The debut album is out Feb 2010.
Enjoy.

THE DOWNTOWN FICTION

So my first music recommendation is The Downtown Fiction.

The Downtown Fiction are a trio from Fairfax, Virginia who released their first self-titled EP in March 2009.
They have a pop-rock sound and their songs are great to listen to, very upbeat. If you like Green Day or All American Rejects you'll love this band.
Personally recommend 'Living Proof' and 'I Just Wanna Run'.

They're releasing their new EP titled 'Best I Never Had' this month.
www.myspace.com/thedowntownfiction

Enjoy.