Sevens - The Ruse

The latest single by Watford band The Ruse, Sevens is a catchy, fun, but not overly memorable song. What immediately stands out, is how beautifully produced the song is, superbly polished - a feature which is so often, and understandably, missing from new or lesser-known music. It's full to the brim with jazz and ska like elements, which may explain it's catchiness.

It's short and sweet, at an acceptable 2 minutes 26 seconds, yet somehow there seems to be far too much repetition. It's pleasant enough to listen to, it really is, but after few plays I don't feel compelled to listen once more. It feels as though I'm not really hearing anything new, both musically and lyrically. The band are clearly very good at what they do, and I am interested to see what else they are capable of, and how they progress. Everything that's needed for a good song, in theory, is there, yet somehow something is missing. That something that makes you want to press repeat.

Listen to Sevens here -  https://soundcloud.com/the-ruse/sevens

Songs to Relax to.

I often listen to and write about hectic, loud and lively songs, but this evening I found myself searching for something slightly calmer - so I thought I would share them with you. Take a break, make a cup of tea, and enjoy!

Box Of Stones - Benjamin Francis Leftwich
I first listened to this song with what I can only describe as the world's very worst hangover, and it made more of a difference than Berocca or a bacon sandwich could ever hope to. Over-consumption of alcohol isn't a necessity to listen to this, though (thankfully!). It's my go-to insomnia song, he has one of the best sleep-inducing voices I've ever heard. In a good way, of course.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sin9PRz583E


Nothing Is The News - Damien Jurado  
As a general rule, it seems more likely that a song will be good, if it has some fuzziness to it. This definitely does, and sounds like a run of the mill acoustic song, which has had 80's rock guitar and drums superimposed. An odd combination really, but it works. It's also incredibly hard to age, it really could have been written anywhere between 1960 and 2013.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyhKQKtPLl4


Furr -Blitzen Trapper  
Remarkably Dylan-esque, simple and definitely calming. It also includes a harmonica, which are shamefully diminishing in current bands, it must be said. I'm all for music which sounds like it belongs in the countryside, Mumford & Sons can't hog all the limelight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqtlcHiSHTE


New Slang - The Shins
The Shins are probably the kings of modern indie-rock, and this song is just lovely. I dare you to listen to New Slang and not feel even just slightly compelled to sway along. James Mercer (singer) has a beautifully atmospheric voice, but fits into the band like rhythm guitar or drums do. This makes it a wonderfully relaxing song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QD7qIthSdkA


The District Sleeps Alone Tonight - Frank Turner
Turner has a lot of calming music (infact, most of it is), but this cover of The Postal Service seems to stand out. Rough around the edges and undeniably soothing, it warrants a place in all sleepy-music playlists. However, if said playlist has been designed to act as post break-up music, it's probably advisable to avoid it. But if you're just looking for a calm and enjoyable tune, then this is definitely the way to go.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqPDdO2JwSU



Elephant Gun - Beirut 
Orchestrally and melodically perfect, Elephant Gun is powerful as well as relaxing. Concocted with more instruments than you can count and with somewhat nonsensical lyrics, it enables less thinking and more enjoying. It also makes me want to dance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWSz_PAfgNc


I Try - Ben Taylor 
A cover of Macy Gray's hit, it seems to somehow have even more soul. Constructed of simple but beautiful vocals and guitar, it's oddly hypnotic and undeniably likeable. Every so often you stumble across a singer with a voice that's prompts you to question whether they're actually magical. Ben Taylor is one. An equal contender for bad break-up music as The District Sleeps Alone Tonight however, you have been warned.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV3ReWUZIe0


Get Me Away From Here - Belle & Sebastian
This song will get into your head, should you listen to it a few times. And it'll persistently stay as well. I'm sorry about that. It's so chirpy and likeable though, I doubt you'll really mind. With a lyrical theme of thinking and wondering it strikes me as the perfect soundtrack to those pondering thoughts that somehow only ever appear at night.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yS_DcqPkEYM


Hiding Tonight - Alex Turner
A creation by the Arctic Monkeys front man, it's exactly what you'd expect from the band, just toned down massively. If the feeling that can occur on rainy, lazy days could be transferred into song-form, then this is what it'd be. It reveals a lonelier, contemplative side to the singer, not normally found in Arctic Monkeys songs, which is really kinda nice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6C6SXTqE18


Better Days - Amos Lee
Amos Lee has a more powerful and apparent voice than most on this list, which makes this song a little bit more believable. It's thought-provoking and sad, but the calming melody and soulful vocals stem any harshness. I also have a lot of respect for people who can sing and play guitar well, at the same time. I'm fairly sure it should be classed as impossible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcqqCM4RVJM


Winter - Joshua Radin
Known for providing the soundtrack to probably the saddest episode of TV show Scrubs, one listen and its easy to see why. It's a very simple acoustic song, but it does so much with so little. The vocal melody is astonishingly beautiful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHlf08yTPiU

Lesser Known Music you Need to Hear

In amongst major labels and Top 40 charts, is music that deserves to be heard. I've scoured the internet (ok, mainly Twitter) to find the songs that impressed me the most.

Clemency  - The Wild Wind

This is a beautiful example of a song with the ability to be instantly calming, mixing soft verses with an almost anthemic chorus. They're a band inspired by their faith, though not overpoweringly so, they have the ability to appeal to a far wider audience than just those of a particular religion. Their song The Wild Wind contains subtle ideas which are open to interpretation - in fact, before researching the inspiration behind their music, it struck me as a love song.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBNcQPtodPM


Bleach Blood - H.O.P.E.

Listen to this song a couple of times and I guarantee it won't leave your head for several days. Beautifully produced and unbelievably catchy, it has the ability to rival the most popular of indie songs. They're a band I can imagine would be hugely successful at huge shows and festivals, perhaps even gracing the cover of NME magazine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfG74vPofEE


Sean Taylor - So Fine

Wherever this guy has been hiding, it's time he stopped. The hypnotising combination of guitar and percussion in So Fine is more apparent than vocal quality of melody; certainly unusual, but yet something which definitely works. Musical proficiency seems to be gradually taking a back seat, so it's wonderful to hear such effortlessly atmospheric guitar playing. I suspect and hope I'll be hearing a lot more of this artist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXhaoFPwvcQ


Refuse The Conformity - Infatuation


It's a band name which blatantly refers to the basic ideas associated with punk-pop, their song Infatuation could very easily be the work of New Found Glory. Although offering nothing earth-shatteringly new, it does demonstrate that they're more than able to keep up with their catchy-tuned predecessors. However, very rough around the edges, it perhaps links them more closely to the music that inspired these bands - before smooth producing and monster record labels even existed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WipfF8WHNh4


Suburban Legends - Come Back Home

I've written about this band several times before, and each time am baffled as to why more people aren't listening to them. Masters of the silly, upbeat song, and far more fun to see than most 'big-league' bands, hopefully it is only a matter of time before they receive deserved recognition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iDpGRuyn6k


George Frakes - In The Morning


Whilst watching George Frakes support Frank Turner on his last UK tour, is the only time I've ever seen acoustic guitar music mesmorise an entire venue. Haunting to the point that's it's vaguely unsettling, and with the ability for such wide-ranging appeal, it seems unlikely he'll eventually be anything less than successful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9_1nXtsN9c


Ed Harcourt - Back Into The Woods

I've written about Ed Harcourt more times than is strictly necessary, but I still refuse to accept that he isn't monumentally well-known. His songs borderline on magical, and sound wonderful live. If you consider the most currently famous artists, mentioning no names (One Direction), and compare them to songs such as Back Into The Woods, it portrays the music industry as laughably strange.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaZVuYtTx0w

Red River - Rocky Votolato

In an unusual move, I'm writing about an artist I know nothing about, and a song that's equally as mysterious. I found a rogue song on a YouTube playlist, which I'd added at one point or another, but had no recollection when, or why. Never one to ignore unheard songs, I listened, and was beyond impressed. It's a song which washes over you in a breeze of acoustic wonderfulness, but if you intend to really listen, is held together with meaningful and powerful lyrics. It's understated, yet driven enough to belong in a film soundtrack. I'm still clueless about this artist, and the origin of the song, and somehow I don't want to know. As if it might ruin the magic.

Rest in peace, Cory Monteith.

I am genuinely shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Glee actor Cory Monteith. Amongst the punk bands and indie labels I'm a huge Gleek at heart, and he, along with the entire cast, promoted a positive message to millions of people throughout the world - a perfect example of what music can do. I know I'll be spending today with Glee songs on repeat. Rest in peace. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Crackheads - Roadmender, Northampton - 23/05/13

For a band who have existed for a relatively short period of time, and who have coped with the turbulent departure of band members, Teenage Mutant Ninja Crackheads gave a memorable debut performance. Lumbered with an opening slot, their set formed part of a Northampton College event at the Roadmender, Northampton. This wasn't really apparent, however - there was nothing amateurish about it. They have the same enthusiasm, if not more, of professional bands you may find at the venue on any given night. Perhaps lacking in technical proficiency at times, with a notable loss of lyrics, their obvious energy completely accounted for it. After all, isn't that what rock'n'roll is all about? A test of a good band is often their ability to cope when things don't go entirely to plan, rather when a set runs smoothly. This ability was apparent tonight, to a level you might expect of a band with years more experience. Stage outfits of Scooby Doo and a vampire? onesie (I'm not entirely sure), showed them as inherently quirky, although the drummer was lacking in said onesie, disappointingly! A variety of cover song choices including Paramore and Disturbed, portrayed their diversity and ability to switch between genres, although it feels necessary as they are obviously capable, for them to venture into the world of original songwriting. A band with these positive and endearing qualities, can only really go onwards and upwards. As their friends, I hope this will happen, and I'll promote and back them to the hilt, but as a music journalist, I honestly encourage you to encourage them. The music industry needs to keep fun bands alive. I hope I'm able to review their original music some time in the near future!

One Week Later...Tape Deck Heart - Frank Turner

It has been well over a week since the release of Frank Turner's 5th album, Tape Deck Heart. I reviewed what I heard the moment the record arrived, and initially I wasn't entirely convinced. However, time took the edge off of the unfamiliarity of a new record, and allowed a far more reliable view to form. This is not something I've ever felt the need to do before, but it became obvious that this record was desperately deserved of a second review.

It took a week of listening and musical-persistence to adjust to the new sounds and attitudes Tape Deck Heart is built upon. These differences have now sunk in, the lyrics more familiar, and suddenly, this record seems to make sense.The quirks I was looking for have become apparent, the high-standard of the album simply took some to fully process and appreciate. The relatability of Good & Gone, the reminder of impermanence embedded into Polaroid Picture - Tape Deck Heart discusses ideas not often commented upon in music. It may sparingly include the chirpy folk-rock sound of England Keep My Bones, but throughout, it beautifully represents tragedy and despair, and most notably, change. The person singing on this new album is not instantaneously recognisable - they are a sadder, broken version of the voice you have become accustomed to. A good album shouldn't be about what has been carried through from previous records though, it should be about the new ideas it brings. Some people took to this album instantaneously; I can't truthfully say that I did. These personal songs have slowly worn away at me though, the lyrics persistently refusing to leave my mind. Now, this record rarely leaves my stereo.

Honesty is not always an easy thing to project , so for someone in the public eye to share such personal ideas in an album is really quite admirable. Somewhere between the release of England Keep My Bones, and the creation of Tape Deck Heart, the Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls brand underwent some serious alterations. And as this decision helped shape the record, thank goodness it did.

Album Review: Tape Deck Heart - Frank Turner

The name Frank Turner is now a recognisable brand name. Formally, a musician loved a lot but by a few, has earned wide-ranging recognition. In 2012 alone, he became known as a friend of Billy Bragg, for headlining Wembley Arena, and perhaps most significantly, for playing at the Olympic Opening Ceremony. Where do you go from there, now 2013 has well and truly begun? How do you beat that? Creating an album to mark the next significant step in your career, seems the most logical way forward, but can Tape Deck Heart stand up to the high standards Turner has already set himself? These previous achievements have ensured that more people than ever have been glued to his career, watching and waiting to hear what will happen next. 

Encouraging and attracting a fan-base who are, more often than not, truthful and outspoken, means that opinions of the album are unlikely to be sugar-coated. Notably, a philosophy that has been interwoven into Frank’s lyrics consistently. Writing a review for this album, about an artist whose music I greatly admire, and ensuring I’m being consistently honest, has proved to be a difficult task. Yet somehow, it seems the only thing to do.

The album begins with Recovery – catchy, poppy, appealing to the masses and a far cry from folk music. A song that immediately establishes the thoughtful, candid theme of the record. It expresses a need for personal self-improvement, and the effect encountering problems in your life can have. Something that has been consistent throughout Turner’s career, which has not been left out of this record, is his ability to create songs that connect with the listener. Losing Days discusses the feeling of days disappearing, and time flying away from you. It’s a subject few would think to form a song around - this ability to discuss the rarely discussed is what makes his music particularly memorable. 

Four Simple Words is a welcome break amongst the hard-hitting, heartbreaking lyrical content of this record. Positive, upbeat and fun, it stands out hugely. It follows Tell Tale Signs, a song so remarkably personal I feel significantly uncomfortable listening to it. This album is somewhat of an emotional roller coaster, which manipulates emotions in a remarkable way.

Tape Deck Heart takes a completely different direction, both in themes and music, to previous albums. Lyrically, it connects with the listener on a rawer, far more personal level, with songs based on relationships, loss and love. These are not subjects rare to find in song writing, but not something Frank is normally known to visit in such depth. Moving a gigantic leap away from folk-rock songs about England and travelling, and noticeably produced and promoted on a much larger scale, makes the album feel like uncharted territory for Frank Turner. The Sleeping Souls, the band which give substance and musicality to the albums and live performances, seem to have played a much greater role in this record. The music includes a greater variation in instruments, such as the mandolin, and songs like Broken Piano demonstrate a far more obscure style. Somehow though, I’m left missing the traditional band format, and punchy upbeat style of the previous albums. In some ways driven folk-songs and story-telling is perhaps an unusual angle from which to write, which overall, makes for a good selling point. However, all good musicians may have to have the ability, and perhaps the necessity, to change. 

Recording in LA with well-respected producer Rich Costey, has clearly had an impact on this record. It has been produced to within an inch of its life – gone are the gritty voice cracks and imperfections, replaced instead with clear, polished, technically perfect ones.  The Sleeping Souls also appear to have been manipulated quite significantly, as though there has been an attempt to make them as clear and perfect as literally possible. However, they were already an incredibly tight band, that true to name, had soul. It seems to me that they have been over –produced and perfected. 

Normally, Frank albums have a healthy balance between thoughtful songs and positive, hopeful ones. Tape Deck Heart doesn’t. It manages to project these sad and meaningful thoughts onto the listener. Probably demonstrative of a good song,  but in all honesty it is fairly draining listen, and not something it would be wise to listen to in a less than upbeat mood.  It’s an utterly personal record, the lyrics at times cringe-worthy to hear. Pushing far beyond the boundaries set in his previous albums, Tape Deck Heart is a raw, biting record. At times, it feels as though you’ve accidentally read the diary of a stranger – that you’ve heard something not intended for public consumption. 

It’s a technically accomplished album, with deep and thought-provoking lyrics. It visits musical styles not before heard in previous albums, yet it seems to lack the folk-rock charm Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls are famous for. It may not be the best record you hear this year, and it may not be the best record Frank has ever written, but it is a huge step away from his ordinary style, and courageously honest, and for that alone, it deserves significant recognition.

Record Store Day UK

Before Amazon and iTunes changed music consumption forever, before superstores like HMV dominated Britain's high streets, independent record shops were the main source of music. Although far from extinct, these stores full of varied genres and musical advice have gradually declined in popularity. Presumably swayed by easy digital access to music, and the availability of music-chains, many potential customers have sadly chosen to take their business elsewhere.

However, musicians and fans have not given up on them just yet - today they united to preserve these dwindling businesses, taking part in the annual event, Record Store Day UK. Designed to encourage the choice of independent record stores over Internet purchases or high street giants, in-store performances took place in over 200 record stores throughout the UK.

I experienced the London section I this event, first at Rough Trade East on Brick Lane, then at Sister Ray on Berwick Street. True to form, I tailored my day to include Frank Turner & Matt Nasir shows; however there were so many other musicians dedicating their time and energy in order to promote the record stores they genuinely have faith in. It was clear than everyone in sight was passionate about these smaller, knowledgeable record stores.

Mp3's are now the most popular way to purchase music, yet they seem the most soulless. Being able to visit a record shop, seeing exactly what you are purchasing, and then flicking through the album notes whilst listening to the record seems a privilege - something to preserve, rather than destroy.

With the demise of shops like HMV, and the encouraging force that is Record Store Day UK, it feels that perhaps, independent record stores may just be able to climb their way back up to the top.

Harlem - New Politics

Stop whatever you're doing. Now. Put down that phone. Unless you're reading this on it...I've found a song so good it made me stop listening to Frank Turner. Really. If you don't know me, that doesn't happen for any old song. I was immediately hooked, and it may just be the best song you hear this week. This musical gem is called Harlem, and comes from Danish band New Politics.

After a bit of research on t'internet, it seems that they have slipped under my musical radar, and have been around for a few years, their debut album released in 2010. It was reasonably successful, but with Harlem, they seem to have reached an entirely new level of songwriting. This polished, addictive song is what would happen if rock music tried to break into dance music. I would be very surprised if this doesn't make it's way into the UK top 40 soon - it's already in the US chart. This is a song to enjoy, a band to watch out for, and an album that seems very promising indeed.


http://youtu.be/NVOUTkFkMNU

Should music be censored?

I've been inspired to write this after receiving some music earlier today. I love hearing new songs, and am happy to give honest feedback should it be required. Always. I'm also not the kind of person to be easily offended - I'm fairly tolerant in general, most of all with music. In fact, if you'd told me this morning that I'd take considerable offence to a ska song, I'd have probably laughed.

However, it took me by surprise, and what started out as a seemingly upbeat offbeat song, turned into something that made me feel fairly uncomfortable. I'm not going to list the reasons as to why, it doesn't seem necessary, or entirely appropriate, but I will leave a link at the bottom, and let you make up your own mind.

It did get me thinking though - can music really go too far anymore? There are no limitations, other than censoring language on the radio, for most countries at least. Sadly, not everyone lives in a world where music is readily available, tolerated or even legal. But that's a topic for another time. For the most part though, long gone are the days where punk music could shock a nation, or gigs are shut down for being too hardcore.

I certainly don't want the music I listen to to be censored, or edited. It should be as honest and real as possible, should that be what the artist wants. (Yes...even Emo music). I've always been fascinated by what punk bands like the Sex Pistols and The Clash did to help shape the music genres we now know and love. It seems almost insulting to the work they did to demand any sort of censoring.

But perhaps, if you could label such music as "This song has unexpectedly disconcerting lyrics, with undeniably creepy undertones", next time, that'd be great. Or just, "THIS SONG IS WEIRD".


http://www.reverbnation.com/goodsign2012

Adios to Emo?

Yesterday, in a sudden and somewhat unprecedented fashion, My Chemical Romance announced their departure from the world of music. Far from a convincing end, they did this through a small statement on their official website, and a cryptic Twitter post from lead singer Gerard Way, along with a picture of Houdini.

This may suggest escapism, but certainly doesn't match their previous announcement of an end for the band. It could well be the end of My Chemical Romance as they have previously existed, but for a band in the midst of creating an album it seems hugely unlikely, and somewhat coincidental, that this is a final goodbye.

Although an opinion up for debate, I consider this band to fall into the category of Emo. Lyrics which are harsh, and that certainly do not promote mental well being, have managed to earn them an army of dedicated followers. These fans are understandably upset - something which would certainly change were they to next announce a miraculous re-formation. Cruel, yes. Sneaky, most definitely. But an un-faultable promotional technique? Most certainly.

As much as I love music, I find it necessary that it's a positive element in people's lives - needless to say I am not a fan of the Emo genre. It seems illogical to add sadness to an already troubled world, and I would dearly love to see the demise of bands such as My Chemical Romance. Music for unhappy times is incredibly important, but artists which feed off and influence the emotions of their fans for financial gain and increased popularity seem as far from a positive attribute to the music industry as literally possible.

My Chemical Romance were on of the most popular rock bands of the last 10 years, and for good reason. After releasing The Black Parade, they received phenomenal success, both with dedicated rock fans, and those who had sworn themselves to a life of pop. It was a brilliantly made album, there is no denying that. However, there is also no denying the dark and depressing nature that it, and their previous music, was built upon.

The influence that Emo bands such as this can have of the mindset and emotions of their fans is not always immediately apparent, even to the listener themselves- but the lyrics and opinions of an artist will always have an impact, especially to their dedicated fans.

While this may not really be the end of My Chemical Romance, their break-up has the opportunity to be prompt the beginning of the end of Emo music. If they do undergo a 'miraculous' transformation, then they have the opportunity to release something good into the world, and to their fans. I sincerely hope they do.

Is it bad I listen to...?

Reading some of the responses to the BRITs on Twitter last week, I couldn’t help but notice the comments directed at the nominees did not entirely reflect the smiling faces and awe filled responses we saw on-screen.  The artists deemed worthy of awards have certainly dominated radio stations and record sales over the past 12 months, but I’m not sure they represent the best that British music has to offer. This kind of programme gives you a feeling of being preached at as to what you should be listening to. Call me mad, but I’m not sure I want music advice from James Corden, suit-clad or otherwise.  

The nominations seemed as though someone had flicked through a copy of NME, and chosen bands at random. The majority of them seemed to fit into the same perfect ‘indie mould’, odd for an awards ceremony that claims to acknowledge artist’s iTunes might class as ‘alternative’. They all seem to produce fairly ‘wishy-washy’ music, that lacks something - not one song that makes you say “yes, I get that song, it really means something to me”. Is this really the kind of music we’re encouraged to enjoy? Songs sung by people in ironic glasses, top buttons practically strangling them and unnecessarily skinny trousers. One particularly cringe-worthy moment, was Dave Grohl saying “long live rock’n’roll” whilst presenting an award to The Black Keys. 

Just like anything else, however liberal or independent minded you consider yourself; liking music that no one else seems to like can make you feel awkward. Or odd, even as though you’re missing something that everyone else sees. One occasion recently where this feeling manifested itself, was at a gig I took two friends to in Shoreditch. I hope they don’t mind me writing about them...though there’s not much they can do about it if they do! Even several pints down, I felt a vague feeling of apprehension as to what they would think. In some ways, what they might think of me for liking such music. The first artist plays somewhat discordant, definitely unique, acoustic music. The second band were somewhere between rock and ‘hardcore’ – not exactly death metal, but my friend’s face mirrored that of a nun taken to a Slayer show.

I found myself nodding in agreement when they mocked the first artist. I’ve seen him before, playing at a gig I consider one of the best music nights I’ve ever had. I genuinely like his music. Then why, did I feel the need to hide this? Am I actually that afraid of what my own friends might think that I’ve lost the ability to express my own opinion?  

I have an issue with label giants promoting a limited amount of artists until they rule the world. I’ll defend independent labels and artists to the hilt. But even I have music on my phone I would be ashamed for others to know I listen to - both people that like rock music, and people that worship the Top 40.  But why should I? Why is it important to have a music taste that ensures you fit in with everyone else? Even within the world of rock music, which is generally thought of as promoting individualism and freedom of thought, there is a great deal of judging going on. I think it’s high time we listened to whatever it is that makes us happy. I’m in my element in a mosh pit, but every so often I’m quite content to listen to some Michael Buble with a nice cup of tea. There, I said it.

Most Anticipated Albums of 2013

2012 was an eventful year for music. Fun. took the world by storm, Gotye was played enough times to turn us borderline insane, Green Day released some...interesting albums, the wonderful NOFX released “Self Entitled”, and we still all had the Moves Like Jagger. But we are well into 2013, which brings with it huge opportunities, and expectations, for music. Offerings from Biffy Clyro, Everything Everything and Black Veil Brides have kick started what looks to be a successful year, and with eleven months left, who knows what could be gracing our stereos. I have chosen 5 records due for release this year, which I think ought to be most anticipated.

David Bowie –The Next Day (UK Release – 11^th March)

I feel somewhat nervous, almost under-qualified, writing about such an influential musician. I can happily rate (or slate as it were) most musicians, but Bowie seems to require exceedingly careful commentary. Releasing a respectable 24^th album, 10 years after the release of “Realise”, and with dramatic changes in style throughout his 51 year reign, the album could bring quite literally anything to the (turn) table! The first single released, “Where are we now?” impressively for free, seems moody, strangely calming, and hugely promising. From the artist responsible for songs such as Starman and Life on Mars?, anything is possible. 

Fall Out Boy – Save Rock and Roll (UK Release – 6^th May) 

They have definitely had the most surprising and instant return music has seen for quite a while. Transforming from a distant memory, to a band at the forefront of many music lovers minds, they’ve returned quite literally, overnight. Their new song "My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)", is a world away from their normal style, and oddly, reminds me of Tenacious D. A sudden return, a new year...who knows what this band are capable of. If the monumental blow-up of social media is a reliable enough indicator, they certainly haven’t lost many fans during their four-year hiatus. It may be a wise choice to adapt their style - they have after all, got considerably older, and music style has changed since their split. The question is, have they changed in a good way? Their new single seems to lack substance, but who knows what the new record may contain?

 Frank Turner – Tape Deck Heart (UK Release  - 22^nd April)

Writing about this album involves less prediction as to what it’ll be like, but more counting down the days until its release like a mad person. (68, to be precise..). It has been produced by American album giant Rich Costey, responsible for records such as Muse’s “Absolution” and “Black Holes and Revelations”. Having worked with countless successful musicians, such as Foo Fighters, Weezer, Springsteen and Arctic Monkeys, it seems his input may induce a considerable change.  It is quoted as a “break-up” album, something far from the general themes of his previous albums. The first single released, “Four Simple Words”, is loud, inherently catchy and incredibly polished. More of a musical journey than a song, it certainly packs a punch. I consider this artist utterly brilliant, and to avoid sounding overly-complimentary, probably one of the best musicians I’ll ever hear. That said, I once said thought that of Green Day! However, it would be complacent and most likely ignorant to assume it’ll be an album of brilliance. I’ll admit I’ve trawled YouTube to find live versions of new songs - and they’re good. But it will be interesting, to see how the songs differ once produced, mixed and on an album. Backed by the brilliant Sleeping Souls, and with the addition of Rich Costey, it has all the factors needed for a fantastic record. 68 days to go...

Lady Gaga – Artpop  (UK Release – Spring 2013) 

This is not the kind of music I find myself writing about or listening to very often, but it can’t be argued that she is one of the most successful women in the music industry, possibly that there has ever been. She certainly doesn’t follow the crowd – in many ways, it seems she is the antithesis of the pop world she thrives on. Her bold look, attitude and dedication to individualism rings more of a punk thesis than typical pop culture. Two remarkably successful albums have established her a solid reputation. Due to release a double album in spring of this year, entitled Artpop, she released this quote - "I'm fascinated with the decay of the blonde pop icon and how culture loves to build and give birth to fantasies and then destroy them and what that means. It's something I want to explore on my next album.” Make of that what you will...

Johnny Marr – The Messenger (UK Release – 25^th February)

Songwriter and guitarist of The Smiths, though somewhat over-shadowed by Morrissey, is releasing his debut solo album “The Messenger”, later this month. He has certainly not been far from the music scene since the demise of The Smiths, working with bands such as Modest  Mouse, Billy Bragg, Oasis, Tom Jones and, bizarrely, Girls Aloud. However, this is his first foray into solo music. It would be unfair to try to predict this album, by likening it to The Smiths – the lack of Morrissey being the most obvious reason. Taking co-responsibility for so many hits, it feels justified to expect great things from this album. Goodness knows he's had enough time to write the songs. Only time will tell with this one.

 Other albums to look forward to...

There are many other albums due for release this year, that didn't quite make the top 5, but which certainly warrant a mention, including Courteeners, Bullet For My Valentine, Stereophonics, They Might Be Giants, Bonnie Tyler, The Strokes, Bon Jovi, The Flaming Lips, Alkaline Trio, Noah and the Whale and Vampire Weekend...amongst many more. Looks like 2013 is going to be a good year for music!

...Worrying however, is the general consensus marks Justin Timberlake’s return as the most exciting musical event of the year. Mhmm.