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.