Ellie Goulding has been one of the most talked about new artists since the end of last year. After listening to her debut album, it is clear to see why. As soon as the record plays, you’re addicted. Her smooth but husky voice is so enchanting that you must keep listening.
Her songs are incredibly dream like, with soft beats and sweet guitar riffs. The soft tinkling of a xylophone in all songs creates images of adventure and fantasy. If you close your eyes, it may be hard not to escape to another world.
‘The Writer’ is one of the album’s strongest songs. It seems very personal, with piano solos and violins creating such emotion. Goulding holds some of the same qualities as Regina Spektor, her soft but very powerful voice keeping you addicted. ‘Everytime You Go’ is more up tempo with ‘oh oh ohs’ and sharp lyrics for instant sing alongs. ‘Salt Skin’ is a very engrossing song. Her slow, harmonic voice echoes, creating goosebumps. This song is a perfect, peaceful end to the album, making it almost impossible not to listen again.
Each song on the album sounds almost like an old friend – familiar, kind and memory provoking. Her cute persona matches the innocence of her music, creating something instantly charming.
Goulding’s singles ‘Under the Sheets’ and ‘Starry Eyed’ are responsible for the buzz around her. They include electro beats which work brilliantly with her soft voice and surroundings. Jakwob have created amazing remixes of both songs. When one of the best DJs around chooses your song to mix, it really proves you have made it big.
Ellie Goulding has been compared to Kate Nash and Lily Allen in the past. If these critics stopped to listen, they would realise she is in a league of her own. She is an original talent with an extremely bright future.
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Band of Skulls - Talking Heads, Southampton
After being on tour throughout Europe, it was time for Band of Skulls to return home for one show. Having played The Talking Heads venue almost 100 times, it was obvious how comfortable they felt on stage. In between songs support from old friends cheering ‘you did it’ made for quite an emotional performance.
They kicked off with ‘Light of The Morning’ and ‘Diamonds and Pearls’. The energy which they possessed was immense. Their music is reminiscent of The White Stripes. Each note they hit sounded so powerful, it was very easy to imagine this band on a festival stage. All three members played their instruments with such ease, as if producing this amazing sound was simple. Their songs held choruses the crowd happily obliged to sing back to them. ‘I Know What I Am’ was a definite highlight, with it’s instantly lovable tune.
The unity of band and audience was really something to be awed. This show felt special. It was almost like a heroes welcome as the band blasted out their tunes to an adoring audience. It was easy to see their happiness to be home, even if it was just for one night. It felt like a privilege to attend such an intimate show, because this band seem set for big things.
They kicked off with ‘Light of The Morning’ and ‘Diamonds and Pearls’. The energy which they possessed was immense. Their music is reminiscent of The White Stripes. Each note they hit sounded so powerful, it was very easy to imagine this band on a festival stage. All three members played their instruments with such ease, as if producing this amazing sound was simple. Their songs held choruses the crowd happily obliged to sing back to them. ‘I Know What I Am’ was a definite highlight, with it’s instantly lovable tune.
The unity of band and audience was really something to be awed. This show felt special. It was almost like a heroes welcome as the band blasted out their tunes to an adoring audience. It was easy to see their happiness to be home, even if it was just for one night. It felt like a privilege to attend such an intimate show, because this band seem set for big things.
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Cobra Starship - Hot Mess
The pop punk quintet return with their third album and it kicks off with as much energy as their previous. They prove they’ve still got what it takes as pumping electro beats and fast paced, witty lyrics resonate in each song. The line ‘smash it up’ really depicts the album perfectly, as it shows no signs of slowing down throughout. With Gabe Saporta’s addictive voice it is hard to stop listening. It is almost impossible not to sing along with the simple and memorable lyrics.
It is hard to listen to this album without the almighty urge to get up and dance forcing itself on you. With enough catchy choruses and drum beats to feed anyone’s partying side, this album is not for the boring.
Highlights on the album include ‘Move Like You Gonna Die’, a song that starts with so much power. The song sounds almost Fall Out Boy esq, with harmonies and hooks to make you listen again and again.
Their debut single from the album ‘Good Girls Go Bad’ sounds as fresh and the rest. The follow up single ‘Hot Fuss’ is set to be a hit which conjures up more images of fun and dancing. This record has no hint of sadness, just excitement and strong opinions.
The only time you get a chance to breath is at the very last track ‘The World Will Never Do’. Being the only down tempo song on the album, it seems like an apt ending. Turning some lyrics into ‘raps’ also, this really shows off a different side of the band.
After listening to this album, it is almost certain that one of the songs will be stuck in your head. And that’s no bad thing.
7/10.
It is hard to listen to this album without the almighty urge to get up and dance forcing itself on you. With enough catchy choruses and drum beats to feed anyone’s partying side, this album is not for the boring.
Highlights on the album include ‘Move Like You Gonna Die’, a song that starts with so much power. The song sounds almost Fall Out Boy esq, with harmonies and hooks to make you listen again and again.
Their debut single from the album ‘Good Girls Go Bad’ sounds as fresh and the rest. The follow up single ‘Hot Fuss’ is set to be a hit which conjures up more images of fun and dancing. This record has no hint of sadness, just excitement and strong opinions.
The only time you get a chance to breath is at the very last track ‘The World Will Never Do’. Being the only down tempo song on the album, it seems like an apt ending. Turning some lyrics into ‘raps’ also, this really shows off a different side of the band.
After listening to this album, it is almost certain that one of the songs will be stuck in your head. And that’s no bad thing.
7/10.
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Kesha – Animal
After the success of irritatingly catchy Tik Tok, a rushed debut album seems to be the next step for Kesha. With each song containing the same poppy beat, the ‘novelty’ wares off extremely quickly.
The lyrics are about as mature as those of Miley Cyrus, with little more depth than a paddling pool. The lyrics that she does have repeat themselves in most songs, creating even more frustration as you listen to the same drivel over and over. In some songs an electro beat emerges, trying desperately to cover the samey tune as something new and interesting.
It was surprising to see a collaboration with the similarly irritating 3OH!3, though their input seems almost pointless. The song is aptly named ‘Blah Blah Blah’, which is exactly how this song makes you feel. It’s almost impossible to find 3OH!3’s contribution to the song, with no singing whatsoever. Perhaps Kesha wants to drop names here and there to make this album seem more important than it really is.
Kesha is definitely a one hit wonder, with nothing but a repetitive and tedious debut album to her name.
The lyrics are about as mature as those of Miley Cyrus, with little more depth than a paddling pool. The lyrics that she does have repeat themselves in most songs, creating even more frustration as you listen to the same drivel over and over. In some songs an electro beat emerges, trying desperately to cover the samey tune as something new and interesting.
It was surprising to see a collaboration with the similarly irritating 3OH!3, though their input seems almost pointless. The song is aptly named ‘Blah Blah Blah’, which is exactly how this song makes you feel. It’s almost impossible to find 3OH!3’s contribution to the song, with no singing whatsoever. Perhaps Kesha wants to drop names here and there to make this album seem more important than it really is.
Kesha is definitely a one hit wonder, with nothing but a repetitive and tedious debut album to her name.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Rihanna - Rated R Def Jam
‘To those who think they can take it; welcome to the mad house’ A Thriller-esq voice speaks at the very start of the record. This short introduction already seems so far from Good Girl Gone Bad and it’s exciting.
With her previous album having such great success, this album seemed a long time coming though it has only been a year. A year is long enough it seems, as a new side of Rihanna is shown on the album. With the debut single ‘Russian Roulette’ giving some clue to the change, the rest take the same turn.
A much slower and serious tone shoots through the album, with much more focus on her voice and lyrics rather than the tune. Ech song has it’s hook that makes you want to listen over and over. With electronic effects and pianos throughout, this new, much darker side of Rihanna is extremely impressive. She has matured and so has her music.
With her previous album having such great success, this album seemed a long time coming though it has only been a year. A year is long enough it seems, as a new side of Rihanna is shown on the album. With the debut single ‘Russian Roulette’ giving some clue to the change, the rest take the same turn.
A much slower and serious tone shoots through the album, with much more focus on her voice and lyrics rather than the tune. Ech song has it’s hook that makes you want to listen over and over. With electronic effects and pianos throughout, this new, much darker side of Rihanna is extremely impressive. She has matured and so has her music.
Miike Snow - Miike Snow RCRD LBL
Imagine lying on a tropical beach as the sun is setting and this gives you an idea of how the Swedish band’s debut album feels. With pianos tinkling over a bouncy electronic beat, the charismatic melodies take your mind away to a dream like place. Their soft voices create perfect Mumford and Sons worthy harmonies, which match perfectly the calm electro bass lines.
Each song is more emotional and captivating than the last, that is until new single ‘Black and Blue’. After this song however, the album takes a monotone and repetitive turn. Highlights are definitely ‘Animal’ and ‘Sylvia’. Both songs have such captivating choruses.
This electro pop threesome have created an album that sounds like The Temper Trap and Friendly Fires have come together to play Nintendo. It would feel much more exciting if the second half was not such a disappointment.
Each song is more emotional and captivating than the last, that is until new single ‘Black and Blue’. After this song however, the album takes a monotone and repetitive turn. Highlights are definitely ‘Animal’ and ‘Sylvia’. Both songs have such captivating choruses.
This electro pop threesome have created an album that sounds like The Temper Trap and Friendly Fires have come together to play Nintendo. It would feel much more exciting if the second half was not such a disappointment.
The Widowmaker The Joiners, Southampton
As the wintery sun set on the city, ticket holders wanted nothing more than to venture inside for some great music. Not disappointed, the sweetly soulful songs from The Widowmaker warmed the hearts of everyone present. Armed with just two guitars and a logarhythm, Ian Easton (The Widowmaker) and his performance partner Dan Parkinson certainly impressed.
Their soft voices reflected the soothing music which they played, singing lyrics with meaning and thought. Each song contained a riff which made everyone’s foot tap. Playing his self written songs, Ian really showed off his talents as a writer and a performer. With Dan at his side adding extra depth and power, the songs felt so enchanting.
They performed a beautiful cover of Mumford and Sons’ ‘Roll Away Your Stone’. This definite goose-bumps moment was a brilliant end to the gig which left the crowd wanting more.
The Widowmaker and Dan Parkinson will be performing in and around Southampton throughout next year.
Their soft voices reflected the soothing music which they played, singing lyrics with meaning and thought. Each song contained a riff which made everyone’s foot tap. Playing his self written songs, Ian really showed off his talents as a writer and a performer. With Dan at his side adding extra depth and power, the songs felt so enchanting.
They performed a beautiful cover of Mumford and Sons’ ‘Roll Away Your Stone’. This definite goose-bumps moment was a brilliant end to the gig which left the crowd wanting more.
The Widowmaker and Dan Parkinson will be performing in and around Southampton throughout next year.
Clubbed Off
Jedward twins create trouble once more
After causing much controversy on X Factor this autumn, John and Edward Grimes, the most famous twins in Dublin managed to create havoc even after leaving the show.
The half of the nation not sick of the twosome was ecstatic when they announced various appearances in clubs around the UK, one of these places being Oceana in Southampton.
However a week before the date they were due to appear, they cancelled because of apparent TV commitments. Rumours began to emerge as to the details of these commitments, the most popular being that they may be taken to the jungle for a guest appearance on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! which began again this week. Mark Boustead from ITV confirmed that ‘they aren’t going to be joining I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’
A representative from Oceana, Southampton explained that ‘we are obviously disappointed that they can’t make it, but are looking forward to them performing on the 17th December.’ This rescheduled date disappointed many John and Edward fans as it falls the week after most of the student population have gone home for Christmas, prompting many ticket holders to ask for a refund. One upset fan, Vicky McIntosh explained ‘I was very excited about seeing Jedward at Oceana but we had to get a refund. We were not given an explanation as to why the gig was rescheduled.’
John and Edward are continuing their UK appearances throughout the next month.
After causing much controversy on X Factor this autumn, John and Edward Grimes, the most famous twins in Dublin managed to create havoc even after leaving the show.
The half of the nation not sick of the twosome was ecstatic when they announced various appearances in clubs around the UK, one of these places being Oceana in Southampton.
However a week before the date they were due to appear, they cancelled because of apparent TV commitments. Rumours began to emerge as to the details of these commitments, the most popular being that they may be taken to the jungle for a guest appearance on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! which began again this week. Mark Boustead from ITV confirmed that ‘they aren’t going to be joining I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’
A representative from Oceana, Southampton explained that ‘we are obviously disappointed that they can’t make it, but are looking forward to them performing on the 17th December.’ This rescheduled date disappointed many John and Edward fans as it falls the week after most of the student population have gone home for Christmas, prompting many ticket holders to ask for a refund. One upset fan, Vicky McIntosh explained ‘I was very excited about seeing Jedward at Oceana but we had to get a refund. We were not given an explanation as to why the gig was rescheduled.’
John and Edward are continuing their UK appearances throughout the next month.
What a Load of Rubbish
Are the top selling singles of the decade really worthy?
So as the end of ‘The Noughties’ draws near, a reflection of the past 10 years of “music” begins. Thinking back, it’s almost impossible to pick out any memorable songs within the hoards of dire, throwaway trash that seems to have become a staple of the top 40 chart.
It seems like an eternity since Simon Cowell began smothering the nation with his repetitive reality music shows, producing a mediocre musical puppet from his money factory to take over the charts each year. Looking over the top ten biggest selling singles of the decade, a shiver runs down my spine as it becomes apparent that 5 of the songs were released by a winner from X Factor and Popstars.
Is this really what our music industry has turned into? Square haired millionaires too big for their boots are allowed to brainwash the public into believing that this rubbish is ‘talent’. Gone are the days of artists writing their own music and being rewarded for it. Cobain and Lennon would be spinning in their graves if they could see what a joke the industry has turned into. What happened to skilled musicians writing their own songs getting to number one?
The rest of the top ten is filled with pop music with as little aptitude as the rest, including Bob The Builder of all people, and of course everyone’s favourite reggae ‘star’ Shaggy. It also includes Pete Kay’s ‘Amarillo’, questionably one of the most irritating songs of all time. This list really does make you wonder why artists with genuine talent even bother.
It seems the sane half of the music buying public who have an ear for decent music stick to buying albums. Leona Lewis is the only TV winner who has made it into the top 10 selling albums. At least this is some consolation for the cynical minds among us.
So as the end of ‘The Noughties’ draws near, a reflection of the past 10 years of “music” begins. Thinking back, it’s almost impossible to pick out any memorable songs within the hoards of dire, throwaway trash that seems to have become a staple of the top 40 chart.
It seems like an eternity since Simon Cowell began smothering the nation with his repetitive reality music shows, producing a mediocre musical puppet from his money factory to take over the charts each year. Looking over the top ten biggest selling singles of the decade, a shiver runs down my spine as it becomes apparent that 5 of the songs were released by a winner from X Factor and Popstars.
Is this really what our music industry has turned into? Square haired millionaires too big for their boots are allowed to brainwash the public into believing that this rubbish is ‘talent’. Gone are the days of artists writing their own music and being rewarded for it. Cobain and Lennon would be spinning in their graves if they could see what a joke the industry has turned into. What happened to skilled musicians writing their own songs getting to number one?
The rest of the top ten is filled with pop music with as little aptitude as the rest, including Bob The Builder of all people, and of course everyone’s favourite reggae ‘star’ Shaggy. It also includes Pete Kay’s ‘Amarillo’, questionably one of the most irritating songs of all time. This list really does make you wonder why artists with genuine talent even bother.
It seems the sane half of the music buying public who have an ear for decent music stick to buying albums. Leona Lewis is the only TV winner who has made it into the top 10 selling albums. At least this is some consolation for the cynical minds among us.
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