10. JAMES BLAKE // JAMES BLAKE

In terms of originality and creativity this is hands down the best album of 2011. Unfortunately my top 40 is judged very differently but James still makes a solid entry at number 10. The BBC Sound of 2011 runner up, Mercury nominated and apparently Enfield born (same hospital of birth woo!) boy wonder has taken the world, literally the world - Bon Iver did a song with him for gods sake - by storm these last 12 months. My friend Emily absolutely adores him and it’s far from the conventional music that I’d expect her to enjoy. I also had the pleasure of seeing him live a few weeks ago and after two songs my exact thoughts were, “what a load of crap this is…”. By the end of the show, I couldn’t get enough of it.

Favourite Track: Lindisfarne I & II

9. ALL AT ONCE // The Airborne Toxic Event

One of my favourite bands and their second album didn’t disappoint. Even my mother and sister love them. I don’t understand quite why this band haven’t taken off as much as they should. Their first album was great and had a fantastic lead song in Sometime Around Midnight and while the second record isn’t quite as punchy or heavy as it’s predecessor, but it’s a better quality record for sure. One of, if not my most played album of the year. All I Ever Wanted is fantastic, the anti-war song The Kids Are Ready To Die is engaging and passionate. Numb & Changing have awesome intros (Numb stays awesome, Changing doesn’t) and songs like All For A Woman & The Graveyard By The House show off their smoother more poignant side.

Favourite Track: All I Ever Wanted/Numb

8. WHAT DID YOU EXPECT FROM THE VACCINES // The Vaccines

When The Vaccines were on the BBC Sound of 2011 & MTV Brand New For 2011 polls I stood up and took note. Who were this new band. I listened to Post Break Up Sex and enjoyed it. I could relate to it and I was excited to see what else they had to offer. I heard a few more songs of theirs and wasn’t that excited. The songs seemed quite different and a bit more edgy but I had liked their original sound that I had first come across and so though still enjoying their music, I wasn’t too enthralled at the prospect of seeing them like in June supporting Arcade Fire at Hyde Park. However, it turned out I just hadn’t quite “got it” yet. At Hyde Park I did. And co-incidently since then the band have gone from strength to strength headlining sold out shows, playing the set of Reading Festival 2011 (if NME are to be believed) and wowing crowds all over the nation. The album itself is wonderful, I haven’t mentioned it once so far in this piece but that’s all you need to know. Make sure you buy it, make sure you see them live. Believe the hype.

Tracks: All In White, Wreckin Bar (Ra Ra Ra), Wetsuit

7. BLISS RELEASE // Cloud Control

This album was officially released in 2010 though it came out in the UK in 2011 (plus I only got into them post Reading Festival this year) so it counts. My friend Emily (as with The Vaccines & James Blake) was a big fan of this band and dragged me along at Reading to see them. I’ve now seen them twice since and they’ve impressed every time. The Australian band (the first of two Aussies in the top ten) make fantastically catchy indie rock music. They remind me of a heavier Two Door Cinema Club, though each song is actually different unlike Two Door (not saying I don’t like TDCC, I really do but it’s true). I must admit I have a bit of a crush on the female member of the band too. I love the way she loses herself in the music while on stage as they all seem to. If you haven’t listened to them, seriously check them out. They supported Foo Fighters on tour last year and have won numerous awards in 2011. The album itself is full of super tracks. Gold Canary & There’s Nothing In The Water We Can’t Fight are particular highlights but the album just rolls along with great song after great song, especially for the first 6 tracks. A band sure to take 2012 by storm here in the UK if they get a good break.

Favourite Track: There’s Nothing In The Water We Can’t Fight

6. EVERY KINGDOM // Ben Howard

The best effort of the British contingent comes from the wonderful Ben Howard in at number 6. I found it hard placing this album. Firstly because the deluxe version is better than the original (which do I count!?) and secondly because I think he’s a lot better live than on record. That’s not to say he’s bad on record, because if he was then he certainly wouldn’t be at number 6! Every Kingdom is a breathtaking debut album. The Fear is one of my favourite songs this year and Keep Your Head up was a great lead single. One of the great things about Ben is that he seems to great every song very carefully. He works very hard on giving it a good intro and even more so a memorable outro, as his live shows prove. I think a lot of unfair hate is placed upon Ed Sheeran from cynics who seem to hate him because he’s so huge now and they don’t really know why. The thing is Ed is very talented but there are better singer/songwriters out there right now and perhaps the best of all in this mould, and one man who should and most probably will recieve all this attention is Ben Howard.

Favourite Track: The Fear

5. PRISONER // The Jezabels

The strangest thing about this album is that I haven’t actually had the chance to listen to it properly as an album. it’s not on Spotify, I can’t find it in shops, it’s ridiculously expensive on Amazon and so I’m sitting here putting an album in the Top 5 that I haven’t even listened to “as an album”. Having said that, each YouTube clip for every song has taken a battering in views this year and those songs that are on Spotify are definitely amongst my most played. The Jezabels, led by the very interesting Hayley Mary are a band to watch. Hailing from Australia where they have already been critically acclaimed, won awards and had their debut album go Gold they’re making indie/rock music as good as anyone right now. There is a distinct bit of pop in there too especially in some of their more commercially friendly tracks but that makes them no less brilliant. Songs like ‘Endless Summer’ & ‘A Little Piece’ will be very high up in my songs of the year chart for sure. In Hayley Mary they have a fantastic front woman who I fancy like mad even though I don’t actually find her all that attractive. Having already done fantastically well in Australia, The Jezabels should find that 2012 proves to be the year that the rest of the world takes notice.

Favourite Track:Endless Summer/Prisoner/Trycolour

4. BURST APART // The Antlers

I’ll be honest the first time I listened to this album I was a little under-whelmed. I didn’t really see the buzz. I hadn’t listened to The Antlers before so this was all pretty new to me. I guess I was waiting for the big choruses and catchy hooks to kick in and woo me. That wasn’t going to come, and it was only on the second, third or maybe fourth listens that I realised the true beauty of their music. They’re like if Bon Iver went rock. Nothing’s over the top and you just drift to the music, nod your head and appreciate how beautiful the music they are making, actually is. And seriously it is something special. Peter Silberman’s voice is absolutely amazing and they are fast becoming one of my favourite bands. I saw them last night for just the second time but I know there’s many, many more to come.

Favourite Tracks: Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out/Putting The Dog To Sleep

3. BON IVER // Bon Iver

Probably the most anticipated album of my life. It may have been a far cry from his first release in that cabin. Infact it couldn’t have been further. I’d say it was over produced and far from perfect but in that voice, and the mastery that goes on in Justin Vernon’s mind he could make any song a great one. Had the unbelievable cover of Bonnie Raitt’s ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’ been on the album then maybe it would have made it to number one but third is not a bad place. And I’m pretty sure he’s going to top a hell of a lot of other year end lists this Christmas. Nominated for Four Grammy’s Bon Iver has become the biggest non mainstream artist on the planet right now and this album confirmed it. Nothing he makes will most likely ever better ‘For Emma, Forever Ago’ but as long as he keeps making music as good as this I can live. I remember hearing the intro snippet of “Perth” and genuinely thinking it was the most beautiful piece of music I had ever heard. It was about 50 seconds long and I must have listened to it about 100 times in the wait for the album to leak.

Favourite Track: Perth/Holocene/Hinnom, TX

2. THE FEAR OF HIBERNATION // Youth Lagoon

One of the latest entries to this list, but definitely one of the best. The best find of the year and one that’s gone pretty much under the radar - though it has been appreciated in some end of year lists. A 22 year old guy named Trevor Poers from California made this album in his bedroom. It’s astounding. From the very first listen I was hooked and I haven’t stopped listening since. There’s a moment just after the 2 minute into the first track, ‘Posters’ where the song just kicks right in and it’s amazing. I get a little feel of euphoria, a little buzz and from the second I heard that for the first time I knew I was listening to something special. It’s the arrangements that make it so good. Each song is like a journey and each one has a crescendo that never fails to engage and captivate me. He’s playing at a little venue in March in London and I doubt 2012 will be a year to remember for Youth Lagoon, however if he manages to create another masterpiece like this I’m pretty sure the world will soon sit up and take notice.

Favourite Track: 17/Afternoon/Bobby

1. ELSIE // The Horrible Crowes

An album that has undeservedly been ignored by most critics lists but that doesn’t mean it’s not the best of the year! Brian Fallon strikes again and I wonder if it’s possible for him to even make bad music. Drawing on from all sorts of influences including Tom Petty, Nick Cave, The National, and even The (recently reformed) Afghan Whigs, Fallon set out to make a new record differing from his typical punk-rock Gaslight exploits. Well it didn’t disappoint. There’s not a bad song on Elsie, only shining points and then even shinier points that outshine those that you thought shone before. I remember when the ‘Black Betty and The Moon’ snippet was released I expected a classic, and we certainly got it. The best songwriter on the planet right now. One that I hope keeps making music for many years to come.

Favourite Tracks: Black Betty and The Moon/Sugar/Behold The Hurricane

Top 40-31

Top 30-21

Top 20-11

Top 10-1

I mean firstly, I’m quite not sure why Justin and co are in the “Best New Artist” category. 2007 isn’t exactly new. They should also be up “Album of The Year”; but its great that they’ve been given any nominations at all.

Holocene is up for both Record and Song of the year. Why they make those two different categories I’ll never know. I remember I did work out the difference last year but I’ve forgotten already. The nomination lists for those two awards are exactly the same bar one song…

The award shows always seem to bum the same mainstream artists year on year and the Grammy’s is no different; but they give out so many awards that you usually find a few decent nominations. And its always nice to see a few other bands and artists that you love get some coverage and good praise for their work. The Decemberists, The Black Keys (again?!)), Foster The People, Death Cab For Cutie and Mumford & Sons (again?!) all nominated. Why the same song/album can be put up for nomination two years in a row makes no sense to me either. I’m probably wrong but I’m sure Mumford/Black Keys were nominated last year. I remember Mumford performed anyway (avec Bob Dylan/Avett Brothers). I could understand if they had new material but Mumford’s isn’t out till the new year (Feb I think- which is when the Grammy’s are on) and Black Keys new album was just leaked. I suppose Mumford re-released their stuff and cracked America so that’s why.

Going back to those “identical” awards, Kanye West’s All Of The Lights was nominated for record of the year but can’t get in song of the year. I don’t really understand the point of two awards. I remember there is a reason for it but if there was at least make the two categories have a few different songs on them to differentiate the two awards. P.s. I’m in love with Childish Gambino’s remix of All Of The Lights, beats the original hands down for me.

But what I would say finally about the Bon Iver nominations is that it seems that the whole Arcade Fire win last year is opening up a few more doors for those slightly more obscure indie acts and if Bon Iver was to win one or two Grammy’s it could take them to a level I’d never have imagined the band would get. Despite how unbelievably talented Justin Vernon is.

I’d be so happy if they did win a few. I think Best Alternative Album will be the one they’ll most likely take home. I don’t mean to put on my somewhat failure of a “hipster” face but it would be a great triumph for the people like me and I know there’s a lot of you who exist on Tumblr. I know many of you can back me up and say they loved Bon Iver’s first album and have converted so many people into fans of the beautiful music they make. And let’s face it we’ve all corrected a silly friend or ten who thought that Skinny Love was written by Birdy!

…Is a lot like sleeping in bed with a woman!

I’m a lot lankier and awkward; the girl/dog’s a lot cuter. The girl/dog tends to want cuddles and strokes and then falls asleep possessing 90 percent of the bed for the night. I end up in the corner nearly falling off grabbing as much of the minimal available cover hoping to not to wake the girl/dog up or make it growl! The girl/dog doesn’t appreciate when i try to make things sexual when they just want to sleep.

Firstly I will admit that the last one may not apply to dogs and secondly I was tempted to just generalise and use the word ”bitch” as it fit so well but I thought that wouldn’t be a very tasteful way of making such a point. Nor accurate in how I see women who I am lucky enough to end up in bed with!

Despite these issues I would also like to clarify that my bed is a much happier place when shared with a dog/woman. Preferably a woman!

turnyourtide:

When I go to write a review - or even just a general article as this has turned out to be - I try to do it in a certain way. I have a writing style that’s quite specific and noticeable and I try to speak my opinion but in such a way that it comes across as fact. I want the reader to believe what I’m saying but I’ll try and tell it in a way that people can relate to so it’s as though they are choosing to believe what I’m saying rather than me trying to force them to. That may sound like absolute jargon rubbish to you perhaps, but it’s how I usually write and how I always think. I want the article not to be personal but to have a emotional touch. It has to keep a professional state and so I try to incorporate my opinions with those of the world or with the real facts themselves. I will also try to always show two sides to an argument and point out where my beliefs could be seen as wrong and any flaws in my views. The person may agree or disagree with what I’m trying to tell them but the more important matter is that I want the person reading to think “oh, I like this person’s writing or style to the point where I want to believe what they are saying is right”. I don’t want to come across as self indulgent; especially since I’m often reviewing an artist and not my personality or frustrations at life but at the same time I want to be noticed so people come back and read more or find it memorable. I realise me writing this at the start of a Bon Iver review is pretty self indulgent in itself since I’ve wasted your time telling you only about the much less important me thus far. But I have a point to all this I assure you.

The reason I say all of this is that when it comes to reviewing what I saw last night the rules of my writing go to shreds. Firstly, in this article what I’m telling you is all personal; because that is the only way I could write this review.Secondly it is all opinion; because I am going to be as biased as possible for the next 5 minutes of your reading time - hopefully you’re just as biased and will agree too. And finally, what I’m saying in this review I truly believe. There is no middle ground of me trying to make a fair point or showing the other side to a story. It’s all right and valid - at least in my deluded head anyway.

I’m not really sure how to talk about the support act on a night like this. I will say that Kathleen Edwards - Justin Vernon’s other half - showed that she possesses a lot of talent. She left me in a state of feeling both jealously and sorrow for her. I felt envious of the fact that she dates Justin and got to open this beautiful night. And sorry because no matter how great she performed she would be long forgotten come 11pm. She may have a promising future; or she may just end up being that girl “Bon Iver” dated as he was taking it to the next level. I’m not sure just yet but there’s definitely potential there. She tours in the new year and Justin is playing a part in producing her new album so it will be interesting to see where it goes. You could definitely feel a vibe that she’s been influenced by Justin’s work. For now though, or at least last night she just felt like a hinderence in my life. A nice, witty, hinderence with a lovely voice.

At around 9:15pm, half hour after Kathleen had vacated the stage it was finally time. The lights dimmed and 9 piece band waltzed onto the stage. The crowd went wild for them all but in particular the bearded man in the middle. Justin Vernon had arrived. Now could be perform? Stupid question.

The first three songs rolled along flawlessly. Perth, Minessota, Wi and Towers in a row; just as on the new album. They were beautifully performed and any skepticism I had of the 9 piece band taking away the beauty of Justin’s voice and stage presence were quickly diminished. It was as Towers ended and Mr Vernon picked up his Acoustic guitar for the first time that I really started to feel as though I was witnessing something really special. Something I’d never forget. As he strummed the first few chords for For Emma, Forever Ago opener ‘Flume’ my body and mind went into some sort of other worldly state. I didn’t really know what to do with myself. I was entranced and mesmerized and felt the emotion dying to pour out of me. At that moment I could have burst into tears of happiness. I seriously almost did!

It was amazing to see such a respectful crowd. They lapped up everything he did and showed all sorts of appreciation. Some musicians have to politely (or not) ask the fans to remain quiet for some songs. At Bon Iver, it’s just the norm to be as silent as possible for every one. Everyone holds their breath and just takes as much as they can for that 90 minutes. There wasn’t even as many distracting cameras as I expected. I think a lot of people genuinely felt rude to even record in his presence. I don’t think the Hammersmith Apollo is particularly built for events like this but Bon Iver could probably play in a brothel and turn it upside down making it seem like a pretty charming and soothing place.

As the set wore on the hits kept coming. One of the things i loved about this tour is that Justin has re-worked his old tracks into it. Some of them perhaps wouldn’t necessarily work with the full band under their previous arrangement but he brings in extra layers to the song and makes it sound as if it’s new and fresh again. TakeBlood Bank for instance. I mean in terms of Bon Iver’s early work that was a relatively up tempo track but he took it even further last night. It had a long saxophone intro and then turned into what can almost be described as a rock song! It was brilliant. And while the re-arrangements didn’t always work as well as I’d hoped I love that he’s always looking to change and develop as an artist. For Emma, Forever Ago will always remain a better album then the self-titled follow up in my opinion but you’d have to say he’s a much more accomplished artist now than he was back when cabin fever hit. You could accuse Bon Iver (the album) of being over produced and over done and to be honest I’d agree with that but on the live stage it comes to life and it works quite magnificently.

Just a side-note to show the real difference between those two albums take the album credits for example.

For Emma, Forever Ago

• Justin Vernon - engineering, guitar, vocals

Bon Iver

• Justin Vernon -banjo, bass, choir, chorus, composer, cymbals, drums, ebow, engineer, finger cymbals, guitar, baritone guitar, electric guitar, nylon string guitar, hands, Korg M1, mixing, piano, record producer, synthesizer, tremolo, vocals

And that’s not including all the other talented instrumentalists helping out on the album.

After Blood Bank which was around the mid point the hits kepts on coming. The set was still pretty heavy on new material but Creature Fear and Re:Stacks coming after one another sent the crowd into a mad frenzy. The latter, Re:Stacks being performed by just Justin Vernon alone which just added to the already momentous occasion. Calgary sounded unbelievable and even “the Phil Collins hit” Beth/Restcame to life in this live setting. I should also mention at this stage that the lighting and stage setup was fantastic. It wasn’t anything too wild or flashy, that’s not what Bon Iver’s about. But it worked, it fit with the context of the music and looked lovely. Especially when Justin was singing on his own. I thought Beth/Rest was going to be his last song fitting with the theme of the album but no, Justin had more in store for us. Rallying the crowd together for what was described as people singing together (and NOT a sing-a-long) he played the now famously brilliant live song The Wolves (Act I & II). I mean if you go to see Bon Iver for one song alone it surely has to be this. The passion with which it buildsand the fact that the crowd can involve themselves within the song - Skinny Love being the only singing fan friendly alternate - means it just plays like a dream. 6 glorious minutes of our life that wewill re-live to the point were it feels more like 6 days. And when as the building crescendo reaches it’s climax, Justin’s screams are just as beautiful as his singing. Everyone watches in awe of the man, lot of people cheer and scream back at him in appreciation, and some even cry at the overwhelming nature of it all.

Had he ended there, even without the now X Factor famous Skinny Love I would have been more than satisfied. But luckily an encore was still to come and two more songs for us lucky folk who had forked out our hard earned money - which now felt like loose change.

Justin returned to the stage and sung the song that usually hits me the most emotionally, “For Emma”. When I found out about Bon Iver and that flawless debut album I was in a relationship and as that came to an end it was probably my most played record around that time. The girl I was with was incidently called Emma so the album sort of became something I’d associate with her. When it was playing tonight I suddenly felt quite sad, and despondent. It brought back some bad memories for me but in a strange way I liked it. It just felt like all part of the highs and lows of the evening. I knew if he played that song, it would almost hurt, yet I wanted to hear it. I wanted to really feel the pain of the song live and in that respect it didn’t disappoint.

Luckily, Skinny Love was the first track (like most people) that I heard from this world class act. And despite the over-playing and over-covering of it, it does remain my favourite song of his. Most singers have a stand out track and Justin is no different. What separates him from the rest is that the stand out song is one of the best of the decade and the rest aren’t far behind. Very few fillers, and it’s as though he has all sorts of stand out songs, and then a stand out from the stand outs. Skinny Love is just that. We all knew it was his last song and no-one wanted it to end. The crowd were so engaged and by this point singing their hearts out just as passionately as the man himself. And that is no mean feat!

I stood there throughout the gig with the question “Is this really better than Arcade Fire!?” running through my mind. As I came out at the end, I knew the answer. An emphatic yes. And so Justin left the stage, and we (or at least I!) wondered when we would see him next. Does a festival season beckon or will he keep us waiting until another tour!? As much as I love seeing my favourite acts all the time, there was something that little bit more special about this night knowing that Bon Iver isn’t going to be in your hometown all that often.

If you were there too at the Hammersmith Apollo, you could hopefully relate to a lot of the things I’ve said. As I stated at the top of this article, this was not a review of a professional nature. It was not a review of me telling you about a band or an artist and giving a mannered thought out piece of work. This was just me, telling you how I felt when I was there. Hopefully if you weren’t there, you’ve got a taste now and next time he does tour you’ll make sure you’re in my position.

Perhaps the strangest thing I find about this man is that most of us don’t even know what he’s saying half the time. I sit there and listen to him at least once a week. I must have heard For Emma, Forever Ago hundreds of times and yet I only fully know the words to Skinny Love and maybe one or two other songs. It’s sometimes hard to distinguish what he is saying and usually I’d find that frustrating in a singer. But that’s not the true beauty of Bon Iver. Yes the lyrics are great but the true beauty is the instrumental arrangement, the unbelievable high falsetto that Justin possesses in his vocal locker, the original nature of his song writing and the sheer passion that goes into the music itself. The true beauty is that this man has affected so many people in his short career. I know fans of Bon Iver who are only into mainstream chart hits, classical music or even heavy rock and yet he seems to be able to strike a chord with so many people because of the way his music is delivered. When reading Emily’s - much more professional - review she put it very well when saying that ‘you never hear someone tell you that Bon Iver is over-rated.’ And if you do, then anything else that comes out of their mouth after that is pretty much invalid! 

There’s always one ex that stands about all others. You’ll reference that one person time and time again. You find that you’re comparing that ex to future partners, or even to your own behaviour in a relationship. Yes, we all naturally do that with all of our ex lovers and flames. But there’s a difference you see. Anyone who’s been in their fair share of relationships will have their ex’s, but there is always THE EX. THE EX, the one stands higher than all others. It may be that they were the shittest boyfriend/girlfriend of the lot but there was some form of connection there, some bond that drives your head wild with thoughts of them, even months or perhaps years after you’ve spoken or made love. THE EX can always be replaced by a bolder and more vivid recent EX but there will always be one that stands out above all others.

I have one that would be known as THE EX myself. One girl in my life is my most infamous ex. You know when you have a conversation and compare something to a past lover, or a past event. She is the one that always springs to mind. The reference point of my past and the woman I base my future relationships upon. This person I suppose in essence is seen as the one that got away, at least in my view and life anyway.

This girl, THE EX, was a girl named Emma. With this being a book coming from my point of view you’ll hear a lot about her I’m sure. But we’ll get to her later. I mean I was 16 when we finally started dating and while there isn’t much to tell about me before that I have one or two things I wish to enlighten you with. Let’s start with Menorca. Not to be confused with the other bigger Spanish island Majorca. Yes, it was in Menorca that I had my first sexual encounter. Before I tell you this story, let’s loosen up the term sexual encounter because whether it can be coined as such is very much up for debate. But I suppose in my opinion it was just that. Well, it was a sexual encounter of sorts, even if a failed and technically non-existant one… There was no sex to be had on this occasion, but I learnt from it and there were sexual thoughts going on - even if not on my innocent lost side of the spectrum.

(Click Read more below to read the rest)

So I’ve been to see four gigs this week and as such I feel it’s worth of it’s own post. I’m pretty sure it’s the most I’ve been to in a week before. Probably a lame record that will be broken in a few weeks anyway.

Monday saw me going off with my mother, brother and his girlfriend to see Matt Cardle (last year’s X Factor UK winner) and Gabrielle Aplin (a youtube sensation of sorts) at Koko, in Camden. It was to be the first of two visits to Koko this week. I got lots of teasing for buying tickets to see Matt, someone who is linked to The X Factor as it’s typically a lame thing to like here but I didn’t care. I just love music, and I thought Matt was both a very talented and friendly bloke so I was interested to find out what his album was going to sound like - this despite the fact that X Factor tends to ruin everyone.

I was pleasantly surprised by the gig. I don’t know if it was the fact that Gabrielle Aplin re-tweeted me the night before - and the thought of any celebrity, even a semi celebrity taking any notice of anything we say makes us cream our pants - but I fell in love with that woman. Her own songs sounded very polished but it was her covers and her voice that really got to me. She did a great cover of Coldplay’s Fix You as well as an even better version of James Vincent McMorrow’s brilliant We Don’t Eat. If you haven’t heard of, or listened to James Vincent McMorrow I urge that you do. That man is one hell of a talent. An Irish Bon Iver of sorts, if only for his beautiful voice and similar beard. Talking of Bon Iver, it’s like two weeks until I see them live, what an amazing moment in my life that will be. I genuinely can’t wait for that.

Back to Monday night and Gabrielle was a worthy support slot and after being distracted by the sight of the X Factor boys and Frankie in particular (at least for the ladies) Matt came onto the stage and striaght away looked the part. His album may not sound the best on a first listen but it’s promising. I didn’t like the single if only for the fact he didn’t write it himself but I’m glad he played a major part in writing the album. He’s a little less of a puppet then the rest of the X Factor contestants so that’s a good start. It’s probably not a good sign for the artist when you are waiting to hear his covers however and that is well, what I was doing. He didn’t disappoint with When We Collide/Many Of Horror and did a brilliant cover of Dolly Parton’s Jolene. Now going back to the Biffy song, i think Matt got a lot of unfair criticism for covering that song. I mean sure, it wasn’t all that more original or anything but he did a solid job on it, and it was nice to see one of the contestants actually covering a good song for once in the charts. If did wonders for Biffy Clyro i’m sure too despite what people may say. I mean my mum never would have become a fan of them if it wasn’t for that cover and she’s bought their album since.

Out of the few covers Matt did do, it was his Moody Blues cover of Nights In White Satin which really stood out. He performed the song on the show and took a slight dig at the X Factor when referencing the fact you only got 2 minutes to perform and you couldn’t express yourself for long enough in the show. He said when he sung this song it was the only real time he felt like himself throughout the show. Sure, it was his choice to go on, and he was delighted to have won but I think Matt’s a proper music fan as well and sacrificed a bit of personal pride by taking on the show. He was in a band before the show called Seven Summers who actaully already had an album released before he auditioned.

Overall it was a good show, memorable for me because I saw Pete Doherty in Camden high street crossing a road just before it, and because I had a lovely night out with my family. My mum got a little drunk which was rather amusing too! I really hope Matt Cardle does well, he’s a nice guy and has an absolutely brilliant voice. I just hope they don’t ruin him like they did to the last X Factor contestant that I fell in love with. A certain miss Diana Vickers. My god did they ruin her! Think back to when she sung The Blowers Daughter and Hallelujah and look at her shitty chart singles now. Some change!

AND SO onto Tuesday and off to Rough Trade to see two fantastic up and coming bands in Dry The River and Ben Howard.

This time I went with the wonderful Emily, and her friend Bethan. We were meant to be joined by a few others but they unfortunately pulled out so it was just the three of us - at least until I bumped into my pal Claire inside Rough Trade! We got there about an hour early as this was a free in-store gig and we wanted to a) make sure we got in & b) make sure we could actually see the stage! It turns out we were there easily in time as we ended up in the front row. Now I’ve never actually been at the front row for a half decent show and so it was highly strange to be there. I always tend to feel awkward when I’m near the front. Sure it’s brilliant cause you’re up close to the artists you worship, adore and half the time want to bed but being quite tall (especially when wearing my rather camp boots with a big heel) it means I block people’s views and I always feel bad for doing so. So many times at gigs and festivals I’ve heard the person behind me mutter to their friend about how they hate tall people!

Enough of the tangents because this review has already turned into a mega marathon of rambles in itself and i’m only two days into my week! Ben Howard took to the stage at about 6pm and the first thing the girls noticed was that he’s a rather attractive fellow. Luckily it’s not just the looks that he possesses and his voice really did not disappoint. He had both a female and a male musician backing up his vocals as well as playing instruments to enhanced his acoustic sound and it was absolutely fabulous. I quite wish I had purchased his album now as I keep finding I’m going to Spotify to listen to him ever since. I’ve heard Ben Howard be compared to both Ed Sheeran and Bon Iver and I suppose while I wouldn’t say he is anything like either of them, he’s somewhere in the middle and definitely one to watch out for in the next year or so. Keep Your Head Up is a great song, and with tracks like The Wolves and Old Pine he proves he is far from a one hit wonder.

Dry The River were soon on at around 7pm and for the first few songs I wasn’t really digging it so much. Maybe it was the fact that I was level with the lead singers crotch right at the front and centre of the stage or just that I felt there were a few sound problems but it did take me a while to warm to the band who I feel are set for absolutely huge things next Festival year. However they did me proud and by the end of the 30 minute set I was won over again. it’s always a good sign when a band don’t play your favourite song of theirs and you come out not actually caring. And that’s what they did. There was no New Ceremony but in Lion’s Den, No Rest, Weights and Measures and Bible Belt they have some brilliant records and no doubt the album will not disappoint when it does finally come out early next year.

I’m trying to make these a bit shorter now as I get the feeling that no one is actually going to read this but anyway, Wednesday I was hoping to see Michael Kiwanuka at Rough Trade but knowing that I still had two more gigs to come this week I decided it would be wiser to save some money, especially as I have another 10 or so concerts to go to this October!

Thursday I went to Stonehouse and had to endure crappy music for an event. Seriously it’s the same bloody chart dance hits every week and I can’t really stand it. I did have a good night though, mainly because I got pissed as a fart and didn’t really know what I was doing by the end of the night!

Friday, I saw Manchester Orchestra and The Xcerts at Koko again with my lovely friend Nikolett. We got at 8 minutes to 7 and I know this because when we went to the bar they told us if we waited 8 more minutes we could take advantage of their drink deals. Now Koko is a rather expensive place - at least compared to my native and crappy Cheshunt - and so the drink deals, however lame they are became very appealing. Anyway, onto the actual acts themselves.

The Xcerts were solid if a little unspectacular. At least in my personal opinion. I really like a few of their songs and have for ages but I was hoping after seeing them live I might warm to the rest. I’m afraid that didn’t happen but they are also supporting Brand New in February so we’ll see then! I must say I did think Manchester Orchestra were absolutely fantastic though. My favourite band of the week. They didn’t play my favourite song (the predictable ‘I Can Feel A Hot One’) but they do have an armoury of brilliant live songs in Shake It Out, Virgin, Simple Math, Colly Strings, The River, My Friend Marcus, I’ve Got Friends…. - I could go on and list more!

And so finally tonight (Saturday) I went to see Ed Sheeran with Christina. I wasn’t that fussed about going to this gig but Christina had asked me to come and had bought the tickets so I thought why not, something to do on a Saturday night! It was at the Forum in Hertfordshire - also the Herts Uni SU. The support came from Passenger and Random Impulse. We only caught the last few songs of Passenger who was just a lonely man playing the guitar. He sounded average at best maybe. I mean the songs were pretty catchy but I didn’t think his voice was anything special, however I was at the bar and more interested in drinking at this point so maybe I’ll give him a proper listen on YouTube sometime soon. Random Impulse came on next. They were a band that rapped and sung over guitars and so on. They had an image that suited the whole “current” music market that we live in. The one where acts like Ed Sheeran (who are happy to collaborate with UK Grime/Hip Hop artists) are thriving in. I didn’t think they were great in any way though one or two songs were quite good.
At 9pm after the two half hour support sets, Ed came on to play a 90 minute set. His set included of the classic track that so many people have covered that I can’t even remember who sung the original, Hallelujah. It’s not Jeff Buckley, it’s someone else, it will come to me soon, Leonard Cohen. That’s the one. I was about to google that then however luckily my average to poor music knowledge didn’t fail me under pressure. I say under pressure because I was writing as I was thinking and as such, I could have been writing for a long time had it of failed me. Anyway, yeah his cover of Hallelujah was surprisingly good. At times I think Ed’s vocals are a little weak but he sounded strong when singing that. Though not as strong as Diana Vickers. God, why did the X Factor ruin that amazing woman!?

It was nice to hear him tell stories and so on. He strikes me as a bit of a loser in all honesty with his giving up drinking (how old is this kid?!) and playing with Lego 24/7 but he seems like a nice chap and is an extremely talented one. When he raps ridiculously fast I must admit i’m absolutely mesmerised. It’s amazing that he not only does it with no mistakes, but also manages to make words disginuishable and so he doesn’t sound like he’s talking absolute gibberish.

His set was really good although by about quarter past 10 I was ready to drive home and eat McDonalds. It was nice to hear the story behind The A Team and it was cool to find out that his biggest hit isn’t a love song, and it was about a homeless woman at a shelter that he met. Or at least was inspired by her. I thought that was pretty awesome. He also laughed at the fact that The A Team had been covered on the X Factor earlier that night and remarked that “at least it will get back in the top ten!”

Rupert Grint also came on stage before the Encore and confused everyone who cheered him back on stage as if it was Ed! Amusing. Apparently that was for his new video so you’ll see that too i’m sure on the tele.

I don’t really have much else to say and to be honest the longer this review of the week has gone on the worse it’s become. If you got this far, then fair play, i’m proud of you, and come tell me about your week, or the music you’re loving right now. Perhaps recommend me a band and the next piece of writing I do will be my thoughts on them!

I’d also like to note that’s 6 in the morning and I just knocked up this, a whole 2500 words of rambling. It’s always late at night/early in the morning that I feel my most creative or most motivated to write about things.

I remember the first time I ever saw Laura Marling in the flesh.

It was strange because a few weeks this happened (which was accidental) I had bought my ex-girlfriend (obviously minus the ex at the time) Laura’s debut album “Alas I Cannot Swim” on the basis that whenever Emma went browsing through my iPod she would always stop and listen to a Laura Marling song.

We were actually at a Kate Nash gig and Noah and the Whale were supporting. I only knew maybe 3 or 4 of their songs and Five Years Time was the main one. I remember doing the little hand dance moves, but just with my head nodding from left to right. About 10% of the crowd seemed to know and only about 10% of that 10% were actually doing the movements.

Anyway, throughout the set we kept commenting that this blonde girl who seemed to be part of the band was absolutely beautiful and mesmerizing. We couldn’t take our eyes of her and then suddenly it dawned upon me that it might actually be Laura Marling. At that point I had no idea of the links between the bands or that Laura and “Noah” (Charlie Fink) were actually dating but she had a striking resemblance both in looks and voice to the girl who would soon become my favourite female vocalist.

I went home researched and found out it was infact Laura. And from that moment on my obsession with the woman grew and grew. By this point Emma had fallen in love with the cd too and I guess when I hear Alas I Cannot Swim it takes me back to those days. Back when I had just started at Goffs sixth form, Kings of Leon were pretty much the only band I thought were worthy of my ears and I found out what it was really like to have a girl to care for. Someone to love, impress and fight for. Sex was such a huge deal back then too. I was a nervous wreck around women and a fragile figure compared to the slightly overconfident fool I come across these days. I suppose in a lot of ways I haven’t changed and on the inside I still am that fragile insecure little man; I just hide it better these days.

The Kate Nash gig itself was nice. I’m not so much a fan of hers these days but I did really enjoy that first album. The Nicest Thing remains a favourite song of mine and I recall that I bought it and used to make people play it in their cars. I’d force my friends to learn the words for songs like Mariella and Birds so they could sing along with me. One of my favourite memories of that year was when my old best friend Pip got a convertible MG. We used to speed around Cheshunt with the top down playing Kate Nash as loud as possible! God we were cool…

(Source: amarling, via mindlessboogie)

So in the last few weeks I’ve been going back and working again on my novel. I started to write one in November time and got around 30000 words in before getting a bit of writers block and some laziness and then postponing it indefinitely.

But my minds been back on in the last month and so I’ve gone back and been redrafting it all. I’ve written three and a half new chapters in the last week too including two today. I’m starting to feel like its actually quite good!

Its nothing groundbreaking or original I suppose but I think it makes for an interesting enough read to be considered worth flicking through.

The novel itself is quite autobiographical I suppose. I, like most people find it much easier to write from my own experiences and so forth. Its in the most part centred around love, relationships, sex, growing up, confidence issues and all that jazz. I think It could appeal to people though In that its very genuine, honest and spoken from a guys opinion.

I spoke to an intelligent friend of mine from my creative writing course and sent her some. She really enjoyed it - or at least she told me so - and said I should send off the first three chapters to some literary agents.

I’ve decided I’m going to do that this week but I want to re-write the first three chapters completely using the originals as guidelines. I’d be really grateful if anyone who enjoys reading or is just a clever bastard would help me with it. By help, I just mean have a read through the first three (or just the first) chapter and giving me some constructive criticism.

If you would be so helpful then let me know on this post or just send a message in my ask box and ill get back to you later.

I’m about to jump in the bath, throw on some Bon Iver and try and get some inspiration and then ill get back in touch and be on Tumblr after as I have no plans of excitement tonight! I doubt anyone read this far but if so thanks, and come say hello. I’m a nice person I promise!

Someone asked me what I go for in the better gender and I also got asked who I fancy on here so I figured I’d repost this post as it covers them both relatively well.

10 things that I adore in a woman. If you can tick off at least a few of these chances are I’ll love you forever if I ever love at all (and if you know what that’s from you’ll score doubly well!)

 

1. Someone who shares my sense of humour. I mean they don’t have to get half the lame jokes I make but they should at least be capable of making a poor one themselves once in a while. If they love comedies like The Office, Friends, Four Lions and Superbad then all the better.
2. I think looks are of importance but not essential. I think a nice genuine personality makes someone much more appealing on the eye and I have often found myself fancying friends who at first, I may have thought were good looking but I didn’t feel hugely attracted to. However, once I get to know someone and how wonderful they are I tend to see them in a new light. The point of this long ramble though, was that looks do play a part. I mean, I believe that they do for everyone and definitely if you want a long lasting relationship but I would say that they aren’t of huge significance.
3. Personally I prefer to go for slimmer girls. I wouldn’t say that I think it’s typically a better look or anything like that. It’s more the fact that I’m very slender myself. This being despite the fact I’d like to put on weight and I do eat my way through our fridge on a daily hourly basis. Also, I would say body confidence is almost more important than the body itself. I want a girl who will want me to see her naked, and let me enjoy her body not someone who will shy away from that aspect of things. I mean, obviously this is not a quality in a girl that you can acquire or find out all about on a date or when you first meet but yeah, I mean if I’m in bed with a girl, I obviously find them attractive, so relax, and don’t get all edgy or shy. I mean it’s cute at first, but it can get frustrating after a while. I think body confidence, even if faked or exaggerated a little is hot!
4. I think intelligence, or more importantly a willingness to listen and learn is vital in a female that I want to be with. I want to be with a girl who wants to know things about the world and can teach me pointless little facts about her passions as well as listen to me ramble about something she has no idea about.
5. Which goes on well to passions. I absolutely love it when they are really passionate for something/things. Even if it doesn’t interest me in the slightest.
6. I prefer when they don’t wear too much make up. I like the natural look. Also I don’t tend to make too much effort with my appearance unless it’s for a reason and so I don’t think they should have to put all their efforts into worrying how they look for me. Although it makes it all the better when on certain occasions we get all dolled up and try and look as best we can for one another.
7. I need space if we were to be in a relationship. I like having friend time and having breaks from a loved one. It makes the time you spend together that bit more special. I would always put them first but that shouldn’t doesn’t mean me having to disown my friends as you see with a lot of relationships these days.
8. I’m struggling to think of any now as I’m pretty content with a girl who can tick about half of the boxes above; never mind them all. But I’ll just give three more shorter ones to make up the ten. A nice smile never goes amiss.
9. Someone who is comfortable sitting in with my family and watching films and stuff is good. I love them being part of the family - who are extremely welcoming and relaxed - and hopefully in turn becoming a part of theirs.
10. Someone who isn’t too high maintenance, and is pretty chilled. As I am like the most chilled out person you will ever meet and so I’ll only clash with someone who is easily angered or needlessly stroppy.