Yesterday, I decided it's time I entered the 21st century, and made a YouTube video. It's a ( admittedly slightly shoddy) cover of a really inspiring Bowling For Soup song.
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Saturday, 25 February 2012
The HMV Monster
In recent years, I've noticed that a vast amount of independent shops in my local town are slowly disappearing. Hindered by the recession, and the increasing popularity of internet spending, shopkeepers are sorrowfully announcing their final closing-down sale. This creates what is possibly their most profitable period of time, until eventually there is no more to sell, and a 'To Let' sign inevitably appears. The life of the shop is now a mere distant memory.`
International music monsters such Virgin Megastore and HMV fight for success, and feel no remorse in destroying anything that stands in their way. Companies like these eat independent music shops for breakfast. They simply can't compete. In the UK, it's virtually impossible to visit a town centre and not find an HMV. They're as easy to locate as a Tesco or a chav outside a chippie in this country, but they lack even the smallest amount of character. They are soulless carbon copies of each other, designed to be as profitable as possible, but not giving any real considersation as to what it is they are selling. They succeed in selling Top 40 music, and continuously stock the most popular of artists, but catastrophically fail to sell music that is less known - something that smaller record shops are brilliant at. They've set out to be the best, but aren't anywhere near an adequate replacement for that which they've destroyed.
A while ago, I went to my local HMV to find a Frank Turner CD. Hardly an impossible mission. They had entirely sold out, so I went to a different store a few days later, only to find the same thing. It took several weeks and four different branches until I found what I was looking for. Once I did, I was reluctant to actually make a purchase - overpriced is an understatement. If this is their attitude towards a well known artist, imagine what it's like for those still trying to gain popularity. I'm not going to even get started on the price of music they have import.
More recently, I went to the same shop, and asked in they had any CD's by The Vandals. Admittedly, they are less well known, but certainly not unheard of. They looked at me as though I'd just asked for The Beatles first ever recording, covered in vintage alien goo, encrusted with diamonds and personally handed to me by the Queen herself. Or more likely, they were completely flummoxed by a request for a band they've never heard of.
It strikes me as sad that smaller bands are having to rely almost entirely on the internet for record sales. There's something wonderfully simple about buying music from shops - it's reassuring to be able to see what it is you're purchasing.
I know it's not just music shops that are affected by commercialised destroyers, but I really think it's time smaller music stores are supported instead of innihilated, smaller bands are given a better platform from which to sell music, and some individuality and variety is injected into what people are able to listen to.
International music monsters such Virgin Megastore and HMV fight for success, and feel no remorse in destroying anything that stands in their way. Companies like these eat independent music shops for breakfast. They simply can't compete. In the UK, it's virtually impossible to visit a town centre and not find an HMV. They're as easy to locate as a Tesco or a chav outside a chippie in this country, but they lack even the smallest amount of character. They are soulless carbon copies of each other, designed to be as profitable as possible, but not giving any real considersation as to what it is they are selling. They succeed in selling Top 40 music, and continuously stock the most popular of artists, but catastrophically fail to sell music that is less known - something that smaller record shops are brilliant at. They've set out to be the best, but aren't anywhere near an adequate replacement for that which they've destroyed.
A while ago, I went to my local HMV to find a Frank Turner CD. Hardly an impossible mission. They had entirely sold out, so I went to a different store a few days later, only to find the same thing. It took several weeks and four different branches until I found what I was looking for. Once I did, I was reluctant to actually make a purchase - overpriced is an understatement. If this is their attitude towards a well known artist, imagine what it's like for those still trying to gain popularity. I'm not going to even get started on the price of music they have import.
More recently, I went to the same shop, and asked in they had any CD's by The Vandals. Admittedly, they are less well known, but certainly not unheard of. They looked at me as though I'd just asked for The Beatles first ever recording, covered in vintage alien goo, encrusted with diamonds and personally handed to me by the Queen herself. Or more likely, they were completely flummoxed by a request for a band they've never heard of.
It strikes me as sad that smaller bands are having to rely almost entirely on the internet for record sales. There's something wonderfully simple about buying music from shops - it's reassuring to be able to see what it is you're purchasing.
I know it's not just music shops that are affected by commercialised destroyers, but I really think it's time smaller music stores are supported instead of innihilated, smaller bands are given a better platform from which to sell music, and some individuality and variety is injected into what people are able to listen to.
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Silly Music!
Aged 10, I was genuinely convinced that Busted were the greatest band to have ever walked this planet. They couldn't be beaten. Their infectiously chirpy poppish rock was all I listened to, until their tragic split in 2005. I was completely inconsolable, in an utter state of shock, desperately trying to process the fact that my precious Busted were no more. How dare Charlie leave to join some ridiculous 'rock band'. (Little did I know! ...I still refuse to listen to Fightstar though. It's against my principles!)
The considerable hole in my life was soon filled by McFly. They were quick to swoop in, collecting fans in the form of heartbroken tweenagers. They weren't Busted, but they were connected. They were the next best thing. Soon began my 'McFly obsession'. I was completely besotted by them, and as a self confessed music nerd at a young age, I loved the fact they played instruments. When I was 13, I queued for hours at a CD signing, and was so overwhelmed I burst into tears. Yes. I was that kind of fan. Scary now I think about it. I saw them live 4 times, I knew every word to every song, and posters covered my bedroom walls. Nothing was better than the mighty McFly!
When I was 14 or 15, something changed. I went through a kind of cliched teenage rebellious stage. I decided I was too old to listen to just McFly. I started reading Kerrang! magazine and wearing too much eyeliner - I'm pretty sure I listened to nothing but Green Day for about a year. Looking back, I was probably trying to show how grown up I was. I really wasn't.
My iPod was full of bands like The Offspring, Green Day, and incredibly self-indulgent misery like Bayside up until late last year (Seriously, they take emo to a new level). Suddenly though, I became sick of political and angry music - I wanted silly music again. I still loved bands like Green Day (the greatest band ever...) but I discovered the joys of McFly again, I bought a Bowling For Soup CD and realised I could listen to punk-rock without having to consider the meaning of life, or become an anarchist rebelling against the government. I danced like a loon to Lady Gaga! It was fun again. Music is meant to be enjoyable, not a test of your mental stability!
In a roundabout way, what I'm trying to say (inbetween my ramblings about Busted and a brief account of my life story), is that labelling yourself to fit a certain style of music, and not allowing yourself to be anything else, is a terrible idea. Sure, get a mowhawk if you want to, cover yourself in tattoos and delude yourself that you're what's missing from NOFX, but whatever you do, don't take music too seriously!
I've made a listen of music I'm not ashamed to love - give it a listen, and if it doesn't make you smile,...you're really not trying hard enough. Now if you'll excuse me, i'm off to listen Busted and McFly. (I really am.) I still know all the words...
Thunderbird Are Go - Busted
We're Going To Ibiza - Vengaboys
Don't Stop Moving - S Club 7
The Tide Is High - Atomic Kitten
It's The Way You Make Me Feel - Steps
The considerable hole in my life was soon filled by McFly. They were quick to swoop in, collecting fans in the form of heartbroken tweenagers. They weren't Busted, but they were connected. They were the next best thing. Soon began my 'McFly obsession'. I was completely besotted by them, and as a self confessed music nerd at a young age, I loved the fact they played instruments. When I was 13, I queued for hours at a CD signing, and was so overwhelmed I burst into tears. Yes. I was that kind of fan. Scary now I think about it. I saw them live 4 times, I knew every word to every song, and posters covered my bedroom walls. Nothing was better than the mighty McFly!
When I was 14 or 15, something changed. I went through a kind of cliched teenage rebellious stage. I decided I was too old to listen to just McFly. I started reading Kerrang! magazine and wearing too much eyeliner - I'm pretty sure I listened to nothing but Green Day for about a year. Looking back, I was probably trying to show how grown up I was. I really wasn't.
My iPod was full of bands like The Offspring, Green Day, and incredibly self-indulgent misery like Bayside up until late last year (Seriously, they take emo to a new level). Suddenly though, I became sick of political and angry music - I wanted silly music again. I still loved bands like Green Day (the greatest band ever...) but I discovered the joys of McFly again, I bought a Bowling For Soup CD and realised I could listen to punk-rock without having to consider the meaning of life, or become an anarchist rebelling against the government. I danced like a loon to Lady Gaga! It was fun again. Music is meant to be enjoyable, not a test of your mental stability!
In a roundabout way, what I'm trying to say (inbetween my ramblings about Busted and a brief account of my life story), is that labelling yourself to fit a certain style of music, and not allowing yourself to be anything else, is a terrible idea. Sure, get a mowhawk if you want to, cover yourself in tattoos and delude yourself that you're what's missing from NOFX, but whatever you do, don't take music too seriously!
I've made a listen of music I'm not ashamed to love - give it a listen, and if it doesn't make you smile,...you're really not trying hard enough. Now if you'll excuse me, i'm off to listen Busted and McFly. (I really am.) I still know all the words...
Thunderbird Are Go - Busted
We're Going To Ibiza - Vengaboys
Don't Stop Moving - S Club 7
The Tide Is High - Atomic Kitten
It's The Way You Make Me Feel - Steps
Monday, 23 January 2012
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
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
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
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.
Monday, 2 January 2012
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!)
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!)
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Alternative Christmas Songs!
Nothing says Christmas quite like a cheesy Christmas song. Year after year shops blast an array of Christmas tunes, featuring such gems as Mariah Carey's 'All I Want For Christmas Is You', a questionable cover of Jingle Bells, and inevitably a delightful rendition of a Christmas classic by the latest X Factor people. Shops force festive cheer on their customers , while tinsel-clad cashiers slowly lose their minds after the 59th play of Rudolph The Red-Nose Reindeer.
I've decided, after spending the past afternoon being subjected to such songs, to compile a list of alternative ones - still festive, but for those bored of Buble and sick of Slade (and possibly those with a sense of humour!)
1. Won't Be Home For Christmas - Blink-182
2. White Wine In The Sun - Tim Minchin
3. My First Christmas As A Woman - The Vandals
4. All I Want For Christmas - Bowling For Soup
5. Deck The Halls - McFly
6.Once Upon A Christmas Song - Geraldine
7. Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses
8. White Christmas - Stiff Little Fingers
9. Fairytale Of New York - The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl
10. We Three Kings - Blondie
I've decided, after spending the past afternoon being subjected to such songs, to compile a list of alternative ones - still festive, but for those bored of Buble and sick of Slade (and possibly those with a sense of humour!)
1. Won't Be Home For Christmas - Blink-182
2. White Wine In The Sun - Tim Minchin
3. My First Christmas As A Woman - The Vandals
4. All I Want For Christmas - Bowling For Soup
5. Deck The Halls - McFly
6.Once Upon A Christmas Song - Geraldine
7. Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses
8. White Christmas - Stiff Little Fingers
9. Fairytale Of New York - The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl
10. We Three Kings - Blondie
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