A-Z Of Awesome Songs

Adelaide - Ben Folds:


Basket Case - Green day


Common People - Pulp


Dancing Queen - ABBA


Every You Every Me - Placebo


Friday I'm In Love - The Cure


Girl All The Bad Guys Want - Bowling For Soup


Human - The Killers


I Fought The Law - The Clash


Jesus Of Suburbia - Green Day


Kids Aren't Alright - The Offspring


Linoleum - NOFX


Mardy Bum - Arctic Monkeys


Need You Around - Smoking Popes


One Way Or Another - Blondie


Perfect Situation - Weezer


Queen Of Lower Chelsea - The Gaslight Anthem


Reasons Not To Be An Idiot - Frank Turner


Star Girl - McFly


Town Called Malice - The Jam


Up The Junction - Squeeze


Vince The Loveable Stoner - The Fratellis


What's My Age Again - Blink-182


X (I have to admit, the only song beginning with X i could find was by Coldplay. And that's certainly not making the cut! But instead, listen to the punky sounds of X)


You - Bad Religion


Ziggy Stardust - David Bowie

The music I listen to - what does it say about me?

I am entirely convinced that music effects the person that you are. Whether it’s a conscious decision, or an inevitable side-effect, I am certain that the music you listen to can often affect the way you behave, the mood you find yourself in, and the way you react in different situations.

Growing up, alongside the usual nursery rhymes and children’s songs, I listened to bands like Blondie and The Ramones, most of which I still listen to today. Other than a continuous appreciation of punk, I can’t help but wonder if it had an effect on my behaviour. I’m aware that I’ve always had an argumentative nature, and an unceasing need to stand up for myself, and others if necessary, an element commonly associated with punk music. Has this contributed to how I am, or is it a coincidental part of my nature, or just an attitude I’ve acquired from somewhere else?

Other than the songs themselves, music can create a definite sense of belonging. As many people find, particularly in their teenage years, I’ve sometimes found myself searching for somewhere in which I think I ‘belong’. Many bands, in particular ones big enough to employ a crafty army of marketers and PR personnel, create an image for themselves, alongside a set of ‘beliefs’ embedded in their music, that they reiterate at any given opportunity. This creates something for people to believe in. If they can’t create their own opinions, why not agree with someone else? In some ways, I think it adopts the same principals as a religion.

It’s human nature to want to feel that we belong, and to follow the behaviour of the people around us, but in the case of music, I think this is only a positive thing to a certain extent. I found myself a year or so ago, having to drastically change the music I listened to. Music that triggers emotions, is the music that is successful, but I found that the punk-style music I was listening to, was dragging my mood down to the point of unbearable. It was although the music had control over me, rather than myself having control over the music. Linking this to the essay title, what does the music really say about me? Originally, it showed my independent attitude towards life, and generally, my dislike of authority, but eventually it started to not only show who I was, but change who I was.

More recently, the music I listen to has changed. I made a conscious decision to favour happier, more positive music – I think it is now a more honest representation of who I am. It’s unavoidable to make judgements of people, which include judgements based on music taste. Due to the nature of many punk songs, it’s inevitable that people must make judgements about me. Perhaps wondering the reasoning behind why I listen to it. Overall, I think having a more balanced music taste is better, not only because of the way it can portray you, but to ensure it doesn’t have a too drastic effect on your life.

2012 Albums: What to expect, rumoured or real?

It's safe to say that 2011 brought some complete beasts of albums to the world of music, from the seemingly never-ending success of Adele's 21, to The Vaccines debut album - a band which broke through their indie stereotype, winning the unlikeliest of fans. (I got kicked very hard in the head at a Vaccines gig a couple of weeks ago, and fell over spectacularly in the crowd, not that it's relevant.) 2012 wasn't all brilliant though, we mustn't forget that Justin Beaver sadly released a Christmas album. After such a (generally) successful year in music, it might be difficult for 2012 to compete, but with bands such as Green Day, The Offspring and even the unstoppable Lady Gaga rumoured to be releasing albums, 2012 certainly has a fighting chance.

First on my list, is what is being hinted as Bad Religion's final album. As much as it pains me to speak ill of them, as I think they're truly ingenius, I was slightly underwhelmed by their last contribution - The Dissent Of Man, released in 2010. It was worth listening to, but they've definitely done better, and I'm convinced they can do even more. I'm very excited as to what 2012 may bring for them, if they do indeed release an album. Equally, part of me hopes that there isn't a new album, because if the rumours are true, it may well be the end for Bad Religion. And I think that's very sad prospect indeed.

Second on my list is the mighty Green Day. I'm incredibly excited about this album, as I have been for the past 3 years! It has a great deal to live up to - they released their last album, 21st Century Breakdown very successfully, especially considering it followed its monsterous predecessor American Idiot. In an MTV interview from 2010, Green Day stated that the album will go "back to the basics". If it's anything even similar to earlier albums like Kerplunk, Nimrod or even Warning, which is about as back to basics as they can get, then it looks exceedingly promising.

2012 is looking very good for fans of The Offspring. Having not released an album since 2008, new music by them is eagerly awaited. While it has not been entirely confirmed, new music in 2012 is looking very likely! The Offspring are a personal favourite on mine - their last album was true brilliance. Here's hoping they can live up to it! Time and time again they have delivered fantastic songs - if their previous albums are anything to go by, it'll be worth waiting for!

Other albums to watch out for in 2012...
I would continue writing more about the great new albums we may (or may not) get to hear in this new year, but at 11:30pm, I've exhausted most of my writing ability! Here's a more brief list of more rumoured gems:

NOFX - There hasn't been a great deal of information released regarding a new album, although a few hints have been made! Perhaps it's wishful thinking on my part, so we'll have to wait and see what 2012 brings. They're a legendary band, so hopefully a legendary album!

Muse - They have confirmed they're releasing a new album in October 2012. As this is a definite for them, I suppose I should write more,, but in all honesty, I'm all 'Mused out'! They're a great band, there's no denying that, I have just begun to find them a bit boring. Perhaps a new album will change that, who knows?!

Jarinus - I have included this, as it is part of my never-ending quest to find happy music. Who wants to listen to Emo all time, that's all I'm saying. It's not good for anyone! Anyway, this doesn't entirely relate to this list, but I thought it deserved a mention. I noticed that Jarinus (Jaret Reddick of Bowling For Soup and Linus Of Hollywood) have a page to fund new music (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jarinus/jarinus-dont-be-a-jerk-be-a-part-of-rock-history) Not that they need help to reach their target! The demos on YouTube are fab - which can only mean great things! (and yes, more HAPPY MUSIC!)