Gems of the 2000s

There has been some great music since the turn of the millenium with various genres coming in and out of fashion. But there is always music that you listen to that grabs your attention and you get that buzz when you hear it. Others you can just listen to over and over again.

 Well this blog concentrates on songs exactly like that. Again I’m not going to be focussing on the big hits of the last ten years, but rather look at songs that are less well known but are fantastic lesser known hidden gems. There may be some names in there that you recognise, there may not, but all these songs are worth listening to. Again its just my opinion, they're just great songs that need to shared. There are 30 in all, plus an extra list of songs that I forgot about until I started writing this up.

 

58- Piece of Candy: Formed in 2000 as a side project from Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx, 58 were around for just one album, but they created a gem, with this being the pick of the lot. With Steve Gibb, son of Bee Gee Barry, on vocals, this catchy little song that is totally different from any of Sixx’s other projects. Unlike his other bands which play hard rock, this could arguably be called ‘pop’, but everything in this song works. From the old dial-up modem sound in the intro, to the infectious drumbeat and the ‘nah nah nah’s’ at the end, it’s just a fantastic song; although it’s not surprising because Nikki Sixx has a habit of turning things to gold. It’s very easy to listen to, and very accessible.

Caro Emerald- Back It Up: The debut single from Dutch jazz singer Caro Emerald, she has taken Europe by storm. Her debut album ‘Songs from the Cutting Room Floor’ went platinum in both the UK and Germany, and spent 30 weeks at Number 1 in her native Holland. People may be put off at the word jazz, but this a very catchy and upbeat song that will stick in your head. She has a vintage style and her music is very much in the style of 1950s jazz/rock ‘n’ roll. Certainly makes a change from the generic pop that gets played.  

 

Charlotte Hatherley-Be Thankful: This is a fantastically relaxing song from ex-Ash guitarist Charlotte Hatherley. After leaving Ash, Hatherley embarked on a solo career, with this song off her second album ‘The Deep Blue’. Again it’s a totally different sound to Ash, but it’s a really peaceful song. It’s definitely one that will grow on you.

 

The Crash- Still Alive: This is fantastic song from the now defunct Finnish indie band The Crash. Along the lines of fellow Scandinavians Of Monsters and Men, The Crash mixed indie with the New Wave sound of the early 80s, and this helped create this fantastic gem of a song. It’s a shame this song didn’t get more exposure at the time of release because it’s really catchy and would have helped gain the band a wider audience.

 

Dan Black- Wonder: Not for the first time I’ve included a song I’ve heard on the Fifa soundtrack, this is a fantastic song. Anyone who has played Fifa 11 will recognise it immediately. Taken from his debut album ‘Un’, this a brilliantly catchy pop/synthy/dance track. Very easy to listen to, it’s a song that will stick in your head. 

 

Eagle Eye Cherry- Skull Tattoo: Most people are familiar with Eagle Eye Cherry due to his epic 1998 song ‘Save Tonight’, but this song, three albums down the line, shows that there is more than one string to his bow. Taken from his 2003 album ‘Sub Rosa’, Skull Tatoo is a vastly underrated song.  In the same way that ‘Save Tonight’ is a classy guitar driven track, ‘Skull Tatoo’ is along the same lines with a catchy hook and sing along chorus. It’s a perfect song to out a smile on your face.

http://www.muzu.tv/eagleeyecherry/skull-tattoo-music-video/252992/

(sorry its not on YouTube but the link works)

Frank Turner- I Still Believe: This is an artist I wish I had known about earlier, only becoming aware of him after his appearance at the Olympic opening ceremony in London. Along the lines of Mumford and Sons sound wise, Frank Turner has built himself a strong legion of fans, and with festival sing alongs like this, it isn’t hard to see why. Upbeat and very accessible this song contains one of my favourite lyrics; “…and who’d have thought, that after all, something as simple as rock ‘n’ roll would save us all.” Essentially paying homage to the rock n roll greats of the past, this song is one that is impossible not to like.

Ghosts- Stay The Night: So far just the one album from indie band Ghosts, but this catchy effort, shows that this could well be one of the best forgotten gems of the last decade. Similar to Keane, but with guitars and a trumpet, this song is very light hearted and will no doubt spend time buzzing round your head.

 

Idlewild- You Held the World In Your Arms: Another Fifa soundtrack song, this time from Fifa 2003, this is a song straight out of the Brit Pop era. This song proved to be most successful single of Idlewild’s career, entering at number 9 in the charts. It’s the riff that really gets under your skin then you find yourself singing along to the chorus, it’s a song people will know without realising it.

  Iglu and Hartley- In This City: One of my favourite songs during my time at college from one hit wonders Iglu and Hartley, this song mixes electro pop, indie rock and rap. I may have used to word catchy a lot, but this song is just that. The fast delivery of the verse followed by the sing along chorus really makes the song stand out. Unfortunately, they couldn’t follow this up, which is shame. On the up side, two members have formed ‘Young Blood Hawke’, who I highly recommend.

 

Imelda May- Mayhem: Imelda May is a rockabilly singer/songwriter from Dublin, Ireland. It has taken time for her to achieve widespread recognition, but this song, the title track off her third album, shows that hard work pays off.  With her unique style, both in style and sound, an infectious riff and memorable chorus, this song shows what talented singer she is.

 

Kassidy- Oh My God: Kassidy are an alternative folk rock band from Glasgow, Scotland. Comparisons could be made with Mumford and Sons, but this would be unfair as they have a different sound and different harmony. Their sound really is one that deserves to be wider known, they seem to have flown under the radar with their debut album. This song is typical of that album, a fun and bouncy mix of catchy choruses and folky guitar overtones. It’s a song that’s hard to dislike.

 

Lenka- Trouble Is a Friend: You may not know it, but you may already be familiar with Lenka, with her song ‘Everything at Once’ being used on the Windows 8 advert. I however had been aware of her music before that, after ‘Trouble Is a Friend’ featured on Grey’s Anatomy, and I immediately had to download it. It’s a song that shows that sometimes simplicity is best policy. It’s a simple tune but very well done and with Lenka’s calming tones over the top, it makes for a song that is very easy to listen to. Fans of Marina and the Diamonds will like this.

Lissie- When I’m Alone: American singer/songwriter caused a bit of a stir when her debut album ‘Catching a Tiger’ was released in 2010 with it receiving rave reviews. With accurate comparisons made to legendary singer Stevie Nicks, this is my favourite song off the album. It’s a very catchy folk/rock song along the same sort of sound as Fleetwood Mac, making it very accessible. A talented songwriter and musician, Lissie is due to release her much anticipated second album later this year.

Missing Andy- Made In England: If you’re looking for something a bit different from the music scene, then Missing Andy are worth checking out. With both Mod and Punk influences, Missing Andy sound similar to The Streets, well in this song at least. The lyrics are clever, giving an observation on the changes in Britain, but also how things are the same.  It looks at the negative aspects, but even with all that, they’re still proud to be English. It’s a song full of angst, and that comes across in the lyrics. Missing Andy are definitely an underground band that deserves more exposure.

 

Morrissey- First of the Gang to Die: Released in 2004, this was the second single released after his hiatus. It’s a fantastic song that seemed to confirm Morrissey’s reputation as one of the most influential artists in British music. Supposedly a commentary on street crime and the fate of the people who partake in it, ‘First of the Gang to Die’ offers a timeless slice of indie brilliance.

Nicole Atkins- Maybe Tonight: I first heard of Nicole Atkins when she performed this song on Later… With Jools Holland a few years back and I was captivated. I remember the song finishing and immediately went and purchased her album. It was one of those that when you first hear it, after it ends you get that feeling you’ve heard something special. There’s a real depth to her voice that gets under your skin, it’s one you can listen to all day. She is a very talented singer/songwriter who deserves a lot more recognition than she currently has.

Quireboys- Mona Lisa Smiled: One of the best British rock bands that you have probably never heard of, Quireboys are in the same category as Gun and Thunder as bands who appeared on the scene as just the wrong time. With grunge becoming the dominant force, other styles were pushed to the side. While all three have survived, Quireboys make the list with their 2008 single ‘Mona Lisa Smiled’.  It’s a fantastic song that really showcases what talented songwriters the band are. There’s a nice gentle riff and rhythm guitar throughout contrasting Spike’s (vocalist) husky vocals (think Rod Stewart and Kelly Jones (Stereophonics)) which really blend well together. It’s just a quality song from start to finish that you will find hard not to love.

Rosco Bandana- Time to Begin: A band I discovered through pure chance, but after hearing this song became a fan of them pretty much instantly. The mix of two female and one male vocalist provides a great harmony against the sound of good time rock ‘n’ roll. It makes them something that little bit different. There’s a real swing and swagger to this song that makes it really enjoyable, a real foot tapper. Having only released their debut album late last year, Rosco Bandana are a band worth keeping an eye out for.

Rilo Kiley- Portions for Foxes: Another song that I first heard on Grey’s Anatomy, this song is an underrated indie classic of the last decade. The vocals of singer Jenny Lewis really draw you in. In a way, she is similar to Debbie Harry (Blondie) and along with the catchy guitar it’s a song that really sticks in your head.

Steve Earle and Sharon Shannon- Galway Girl: If you have seen the film P.S. I Love You, you will be familiar with this song. A song that really stirs my liking for Irish folk music, this is a song that I can play on repeat and never get bored.  It’s just a fantastic song, the mixture of Irish folk music mixed with the distinctive intonations of Steve Earle’s voice works really well. Even if you’re not a fan of country music, you’ll like this song.

The Dandy Warhols- We Used to Be Friends: The Dandy Warhols are a band that have, on the quiet, built up a strong back catalogue, something demonstrated by their recent ‘Best Of’ album. This song shows that there is more to them than ‘Bohemian Like You’. With Courtney Taylor-Taylor’s distinctive vocals, the infectious handclapping and heavy bass line this song really sticks in your head. It’s one of those songs that when you hear, you’re bound to recognise it. It really is a song that shows the Dandy’s doing what they do best.

The Killers- The Ballad of Michael Valentine: I’ve included this song not just because I’m a huge Killers fan, but because this is one their best songs. You’ll find it midway through ‘Sawdust’, their album of rarities and B-Sides, and as this is the quality of the songs they leave off albums, it really shows what a top quality band they are. They could have included this on Hot Fuss easily.  When I first heard this song, I was singing it for days. I just couldn’t stop listening to it. It has a fantastic riff, which really sticks in your head. The guitar coupled with Brandon Flowers’ trademark vocals and brilliant song writing really makes this a classic that not enough people have heard.  If this made the original album, this song would be huge.

 

The Naked and Famous- Girls like You: You may know The Naked and Famous through their singles ‘Young Blood’ and ‘Punching in a Dream’, but this is their best song. Accompanied by a brilliant video, this song is so simple yet so, so good. It builds up brilliantly, slowly gathering momentum before exploding into life.  The mixture of both female and male vocals is just perfect. If there is any justice in this world, The Naked and Famous will be massive, but you really need to hear this to appreciate on the best songs of the last few years.

The Pierces- Glorious: Sisters Alison and Catherine Pierce took their time to get noticed in the UK from their native USA with their fourth album ‘You and I’ spawning some very catchy singles. ‘Glorious’ is one of those singles, and it’s a personal favourite of mine. Vocally they have been compared to Abba, and that’s quite a fair comparison, there is a likeness in sound. However their pop/folk sound sets them apart from the Swedish group. There is wonderful harmony to the sister’s voices and they fully deserve the success and recognition they have achieved.  Having toured with Coldplay and played at Glastonbury, things are looking bright for this talented duo.

The Thrills- Big Sur: This is one of my favourite ever songs, one that I just love. With a sound that is very much inspired by Beach Boys style sound, it’s a song that is impossible not to like. This song proved to be The Thrills biggest hit back in 2003, but is still very much underrated. It’s a perfect summer song, one that immediately lifts your mood.  The catchy guitar will stick in your head, while after a couple of listens you’ll be singing to the lyrics as well.

 

 

Tiffany Page- On Your Head: Tiffany Page is a singer/songwriter who I have been aware of for a while now after hearing this song on TV. I love this song, but a full album for whatever reason has not since materialised. Along the same lines as KT Tunstall sound wise, this song is a great example of catchy soft rock. The talent is definitely there, she just needs more exposure to gain a bigger audience. She has also done fantastic covers of ‘Supermassive Black Hole’ by Muse and ‘Read My Mind’ by The Killers. ‘Read My Mind’ in particular is a stunning cover. Certainly a name to keep an out for that is for sure. (You'll have to google the Read My Mind cover as it isn't on YouTube, but its worth it)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGOtQjeRSv8&playnext=1&list=PL07CF65CC3CDE56DE&feature=results_video

Wayward Daughter- For The Keeping: Wayward Daughter are the perfect example of using YouTube to gain a following with their channel already having close to 5 million hits. It’s where I first heard them; just two girls and a guitar, in a bedroom, covering various songs. From Wheatus to Paramore, from Ed Sheeran to The Cranberries and Stereophonics to Jessie J they have covered all sorts. This really caught my interest and I was hooked. However their original songs are just as impressive, with their debut EP ‘Live Acoustic’ a great taster of what this duo are capable of.  Singer Lydia McAllister has a brilliant voice while guitarist Becky east provides a great accompaniment. There’s a real chemistry between the two of them, just two musicians enjoying making music. Do yourself a favour and check them out because, you won’t be disappointed.

Wolfgang- The King and All of His Men: I first heard this song when Wolfgang played at Hard Rock Calling in 2011 and remember thinking that this song will be a big hit. I was the song that stood out most, most impressively because they were the second band on. It certainly has all the right ingredients; the catchy intro, a big chorus plus a real radio friendly sound. The song is currently the theme song for the BBC’s Final Score football coverage so people may be aware of it through that. It’s a really catchy song that will definitely be floating round your head once you’ve heard it.

 

Young the Giant- Cough Syrup: Young the Giant are a brilliant indie band from California. Releasing their debut album in 2011, they are part of the next wave of indie bands along with the likes of Foster the People, Neon Trees and The Naked and Famous. This was the second single off that album after the brilliant ‘My Body’ and, in my opinion, is a marginally better song. There is a wonderfully calming intro, intermittent ‘woah’s’ throughout the verse before it bursts into the chorus. Of course its popularity has been helped after it appeared on Glee, which isn’t a bad thing as quality songs like this deserve all the exposure they get. Definitely one of my favourite songs from the last couple of years or so.

 

I couldn’t include all the songs I wanted to in the list it would have far too long, so here are a few that didn’t make the list, as well as some that I only thought of halfway through writing:

Amy MacDonald- This Pretty Face

Ash- Starcrossed

Brandon Flowers- Jilted Lovers and Broken Hearts

British Sea Power- Waving Flags

Buffseeds- Sparkle Me

Flogging Molly- Drunken Lullabies

Frankie and the Heartstrings- Hunger

Kings of Leon- On Call

KT Tunstall- Suddenly I See

Marina and the Diamonds- I Am Not a Robot

MGMT- Kids

Neon Trees- Animals

Nerina Pallot- Everybody’s Gone To War

Sandi Thom- I wish I was a punk rocker

The Hoosiers- Goodbye Mr A

Thirteen Senses- Into the Fire

Well there you have it. Hopefully you enjoyed it and found some new favourite songs, or just redisovered songs you had forgotten about.

Thanks for reading

:)

 

Girls and Guitars

Well it's been snowing where I am, so I gathered that was enough of an excuse to post another blog. I've had the idea for this one buzzing round my head for a few days so here it is.

One thing I’ve noticed recently is that there are a lot of rock chicks around at the moment. It’s not a bad thing, far from it, just an observation. There’s always been a few about, but none that I've ever really been a big fan of.

Of course there’s the likes of Paramore, Evanescence and before them Hole, but they’re well known and well established, and if you’ve read my previous blogs, I prefer to champion less well known bands. So here are ten bands that show that rock chicks are well represented in the current music scene. You might want to turn the volume up a bit :P

 

Cherri Bomb- Cherri Bomb are a band with a big future and have the world at their feet.  An all-girl rock band, with members aged from just 15-18, they have already come a long way in a short space of time. They have opened for the likes of Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins and Steel Panther as well playing the likes of Oxegen, T in the Park and Reading/Leeds Festivals. Their song ‘Shake the Ground’ also featured in The Avengers soundtrack. Not bad going for a band so young. I first became aware of them after hearing their cover of ‘The Pretender’ by Foo Fighters. That was a very brave song choice, especially one to release as a download, but they blew me away. It is a very strong cover and they really impressed me. Enough to check out their other work and download their EP and pre-order their debut album. Their debut is very strong, with a sound that belies their tender years. They are all very talented musicians, and in Nia Lovelis especially, they have a fantastic drummer who provides a solid backbone to the band. The best thing about Cherri Bomb is that they can only get better from here. As they get older, and their sound matures, they will no doubt grow into a headline act. Definitely a band for the here and now and for the future.

Featured tracks- The Pretender, Too Many Faces and Let It Go

 

 

Dead Sara- I band I only discovered very recently, but they are one I wish I had heard of sooner. Dead Sara released their debut album last year, and although not being too familiar with it, I have been very impressed with what I’ve heard. I’m not the only one, as they are touring with Muse in February this year. They have a bluesy rock n roll sound and this is heard throughout the album. They offer a mixture hard rocking songs such as ‘Weatherman’ and gentler ballads like ‘Sorry for It All’. What I like about them is their hard rocking sound is offset against Emily Armstrong’s strong vocals which offer a great contrast. They are similar to the White Stripes in a way, and they are a band that will only grow and get bigger.

Featured Tracks- Weatherman and Sorry for It All

 

 

Diemonds- Another band I discovered recently, but they are one that I can’t stop listening to. I have described them in previous blogs as “imagine Joan Jett fronting Guns N Roses”, which pleased them (I even got a retweet J) .  Singer Priya Panda does sound similar in places to GnR frontman Axl Rose. Not saying they’re exactly the same, but the fast delivery of lyrics did remind me of ‘Garden of Eden’.  Their music is full of attitude, but that’s got to be expected from a band that plays hard, sleazy rock. They play it hard, fast and very loud. Their debut album was released only last year, but they have been offered the chance to open for the likes of Slash, Steel Panther and Sebastian Bach. So far they have concentrated on North America, not surprising being from Canada, but they will gain a strong legion of fans when they hop over the pond and play in Europe.

Featured Tracks- Get the F**k Outta Here, Highway

 

 

Halestorm- Halestorm are one of my favourite bands, and in Lzzy Hale they have one of the best singers around at the moment. Those who are sceptical about that statement simply haven’t heard her yet. The power and range she has is truly amazing. There is a not a Halestorm video on YouTube I’ve seen that does not have comments about her voice. It was their cover of Lady Gaga’s ‘Bad Romance’ that first caught my interest, with Hale’s awesome vocal range sending shivers down my spine. After hearing it, the original sounds weak in comparison, such is the strength of Lzzy’s vocals. ‘Bad Romance’ featured on a covers EP called ‘ReAniMate’ done by the band between their two full length albums. They covered the likes of Heart, Guns N Roses and The Beatles, and although the tracks aren’t ones that immediately stand as well known, I must admit I didn’t know some of the tracks, they more than do justice once you’ve heard them. Their song choices were very brave, but they made all the songs their own. But it’s not just covers their own material is very strong. Personally I prefer their second album, ‘The Strange Case Of…’ but their self-titled debut is still very good. They do both hard rock songs such as ‘Love Bites…(So Do I)’, ‘ Mz Hyde’ and ‘It’s Not You’ as well as ballads such as ‘In Your Room’, ‘Break In’ and  ‘Bet You Wish You Had Me Back’.  Their song ‘Here’s to Us’ was even featured on Glee, just without the swearing. Joe Hottinger is a very talented guitarist, while Arejay Hale is a mad but brilliant drummer. However it’s Lzzy Hale’s vocals that set them apart from other bands. She really does grab your attention.  On her twitter page she describes herself as “Halestorm’s Rock Banshee”, and I think that’s an accurate description. There’s always the worry that a band may get pigeonholed for sounding too like someone else, but Halestorm don’t, they have their own distinct sound.

The four videos below showcase what the band are all about and just how good Lzzy Hale is. The first is the single 'Love Bites...', the second is the 'Bad Romance' cover. The third is a cover of 'Empire State Of Mind'. If it doesn't send shivers down your spine, nothing will. The final video is a live acoustic version of 'Here's to Us' and this shows what an amazing singer Lzzy Hale is. I challenge you to listen to them and not be captivated.

 

 

 

 

Icon For Hire- The worry with Icon For Hire is that people will see a rock band fronted by a girl with pink hair and will be passed off as another Paramore. They would be wrong, if anything they sound heavier and more grown up than Paramore.  The riffs are heavier and the vocals have a mature sound compared to the pop/punk sounding bands. Even though they have pop/punk sound themselves, there are also element s of alternative metal as well as strings and electronics. The use of electronics works really well, and the odd use of auto tune as well is very effective.  Singer Ariel Bloomer has stated “We love the combination of brutal, in-your-face riffs, with the fun candy of pop production sprinkled all over it.” Have to say it works really well. They may have only released the one album, ‘Scripted’ in 2011, but every song is solid.  Stand out tracks include ‘Get Well’, ‘Make A Move’, ‘Off With Her Head’ and ‘Iodine’.

Featured Tracks- Get Well and Make A Move

 

 

 

Orianthi- Guitarist and Singer/Songwriter Orianthi has played with some big names in her career. Having jammed with Carlos Santana, was Michael Jackson’s lead guitarist for his 50 dates in London and currently Alice Cooper’s lead guitarist she has established herself as a very accomplished musician. As a guitarist she is very talented.  However it was as a solo artist that I first discovered her and her debut ‘Believe’ is fantastic. The singles ‘According To You’ and ‘Shut Up and Kiss Me’ offer a fantastic opening couple of tracks. They are both radio friendly sing along songs. Gradually though as the album progresses it starts to get heavier, but the blend of pop and rock works really well and is very effective. Her duet, or duel with Steve Vai ‘Highly Strung’ is a great instrumental piece. There are even a couple of covers thrown in as well, including a cover of Cream’s ‘Sunshine of Your Love’ being given an impressive new lease of life. The most impressive cover I’ve seen her do though is Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Voodoo Child’, it really is awesome. Rumour has it she is going to be releasing a new solo album this year. I for one can’t wait.

Featured Tracks- According to You, Highly Strung, Voodoo Child

 

 

Sick Puppies- Sick Puppies are the black sheep of this listing because the rock chick is not the lead singer, but she plays bass and in my opinion, one best of the best around at the moment. Admittedly I only own their album ‘Tri Polar’, but throughout, Emma Anzai offers fantastic bass lines throughout. Just listen to ‘Riptide’, ‘You’re Going Down’ or ‘Shoud’ve Known Better’ and you’ll understand exactly what I mean. Being a girl playing a guitar will make people notice her, but she is a fantastic musician in her own right. The bass in ‘You’re Going Down’ is especially heavy and dirty and sets up the aggressiveness of the song perfectly.  I’m not going to say too much more about them as their album ‘Tri Polar’ will feature soon in a future blog.

Featured Tracks- You're Going Down, Riptide, Odd One

 

 

 

 

Sonic Boom Six- Manchester 5-piece Sonic Boom Six started life as a Ska band, but in truth they defy genre boundaries, such is the amount of different sounds on offer. You’ve got the heavy guitar, mixture of electronic and live drums, use of electronics and distortion, grime and punk. The use of auto tune as well might not please purists, and I usually can’t stand it, but it works really well here, while the punk aspect of the lyrics isn’t lost. On the track ‘Virus’ especially, auto tune blends in really well with the rest of the song. It really does help give the band a unique sound. They are similar in ways to Utah Saints and Apollo 440. They might have strayed from their Ska beginnings but they are much more accessible for it. Their versatility is also shown in the acoustic track ‘Sunny Side of the Street’, which is fantastically light hearted song. They may not be to everyone’s taste, but I have grown to love their music. Their sound has a habit of sticking in your head. Certainly a case of an independent band doing their own thing.

Featured Tracks- Virus, For the Kids of the Multiculture, Sunny Side Of the Street

The Donna’s- An all-female rock band, The Donna’s really know how to rock. Drawing inspiration from The Runaways, AC/DC and Kiss they offer their own blend of classic rock. It’s a real shame they aren’t bigger than they are, I only heard of them through chance, but they have the big 80s rock sound.  If you’re a rock fan, then you’ll appreciate the big riffs, the big choruses and the pounding drums. Brett Anderson is a very talented front woman, while Allison Robertson (guitar), Maya Ford (bass) and Amy Cesari (previously Torry Castellano on drums) provide the big sound. Maybe it’s just a case of being around at the wrong time, but they have built up a loyal following and are currently working on their 8^th studio album.

Featured Tracks- Take It Off and Who Invited You

 

 

The Pretty Reckless- Fronted by Taylor Momsen, The Pretty Reckless are an alternative rock band

from America. Influenced by the likes of The Beatles, Oasis and Nirvana, they offer a taste of modern rock. Taylor Momsen definitely has the attitude, swagger and talent it has to be said to be a very successful front woman. Their 2010 debut album ‘Light Me Up’ is a very good album. ‘Make Me Wanna Die’ and ‘Miss Nothing’ are, in my opinion, the stand out tracks and show what the band are all about.  ‘You’ is a slower track, but is still a very good song. They have the talent to become a big band. They have already opened for the likes of Marilyn Manson and Evanescence as well as playing Download Festival and T in the Park. They released an EP last year with three new tracks, and two live ones from their first album, which was very good. If they continue the way they are, they will be

a force to be reckoned with.

 

 

Featured Tracks- Make Me Wanna Die and Miss Nothing

 

 

 

 



There is talk of an all-girl supergroup consisting of Lzzy Hale, Orianthi, Emma Anzai and the girls from the band Skillet. I for one would love to see that happen, it would be an amazing band.

http://loudwire.com/halestorm-lzzy-hale-the-runaways/

 

Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed it. Feel free to comment and have a read of other blogs if you like what you've read.



Albums You Should Own #1

This is the first instalment of albums that you really should own, or failing that, just listen to. They’re not all necessarily albums or artists you may have heard of, but they are all personal favourites of mine. The kind of album when you’re listening to it, you don’t skip a track and you go “oh that’s a good song’ when the next one starts.

You will also hear the term ‘underrated’ quite a bit. Partly because they are.  And partly because I’m trying to give exposure to music that deserves it. Trust me you will not regret parting money for any of these albums.

 

Amy MacDonald- This Is the Life: The debut album from Scottish singer/songwriter Amy MacDonald, one of Britain’s most underrated music talents. That’s not to say she isn’t appreciated though. On the continent especially she regularly headlines festivals ahead of more ‘established’ artists that are popular in the UK. This, her debut album, released when she was just 19, is superb. It is flawless from start to finish. It starts with two singles ‘Mr Rock & Roll’ and ‘This Is the Life’, songs that will get your foot tapping, stick in your head and eventually singing along. To be fair the next track ‘Poison Prince’ will do exactly the same. ‘Youth of Today’ is a slower song, but still wonderfully written. ‘Run’, ‘Barrowland Ballroom’ and ‘L.A.’ are just perfect. They are Amy at her absolute best.  They showcase her strength as both a singer and a songwriter. ‘Let’s Start a Band’ is a slow burner, but have patience to stay the course and you’ll be rewarded. The tracks ‘A Wish for Something More’, ‘Footballer’s Wife’ and ‘The Road to Home’  the album brilliantly. It’s just a classy album. The mixture of her distinctive vocals and quality song writing make for a very strong album. I have a really downer on the X-Factor blocking the way of genuinely talented people making their way into the charts and getting the recognition they deserve, because this girl deserves to be a million times bigger than she currently is. She has released three albums so far, all of them fantastic. And she has got there through pure hard work. She really is one of the country’s hidden musical gems. You’ll realise this once you’ve given this a listen, and afterwards I guarantee you won’t be able to keep it to yourself.

Feeder- The Singles: Wasn’t sure whether to include this or not as it’s essentially a ‘Best Of So Far…’ album, but seeing as it’s one of my favourite albums, and Feeder are criminally underrated, I warrants its place. You will get no better introduction to Feeder than with this album. If you are only familiar with ‘Buck Rogers’, ‘Feeling A Moment’ and ‘Just A Day’ then you are in for a treat. This album really shows what a diversely talented band they are. Feeder have evolved from a harder, post-grunge sound in their early albums to a more radio friendly sound, and it is that sound that appears on this album. There are harder sounding songs, the likes of ‘Insomnia’, ‘Pushing the Senses’ and the brilliant ‘Seven Days in the Sun’, but there are also gentler ballads that add a wonderful balance and contrast to Feeder’s back catalogue. The likes of ‘Tender’, ‘Just the Way I’m Feeling’ and ‘Turn’ are just three such examples. Other songs that stand out are ‘Burn the Bridges’, ‘Just the Way I’m Feeling’, ‘Save Us’ and ‘Yesterday Went Too Soon’. To call just those stand out tracks though is grossly unfair, there really isn’t a bad track on the album, as you may have guessed as I’ve mentioned nearly all of them, and the argument is that there are too many songs to make just the one album. They could easily have made a double album. Once you listen to this album you will realise what an underrated and consistently brilliant band Feeder are.


Stone Gods- Silver Spoons and Broken Bones: Essentially The Darkness minus Justin Hawkins, Stone Gods so far have just the single album to their name, but it’s an absolute gem. Without Justin’s falsetto it allowed for a much sound than that from The Darkness, almost moving into metal in places, but on the whole staying in hard rock territory. ‘Burn the Witch’ is a thunderous opener with crunching riff, fist pumping chorus and finishes with a two minute instrumental. ‘Don’t Drink the Water’ and ‘You Brought a Knife to a Gun Fight’ are fantastic hard rock tracks and really keep up the impetus of a hard and fast start. ‘Magdalen Street’ then slows the pace down and is brilliantly catchy. It also shows the albums versatility, as does ‘Lazy Bones’another quieter, slower song. ‘Where You Comin’ From’, ‘I’m With the Band’, ‘Start of Something’ and ‘Making It Hard’ are all more ‘classic rock’ sounding songs. ‘Knight of the Living Dead’ just edges ‘Burn the Witch’ as the heaviest song on the album, and ‘Where ‘O My Beero?’ is a light-hearted end to the album showing that some the sense of humour from The Darkness has carried on. What makes this album so good though is its accessibility, it is very radio friendly. The vocals are very strong without being aggressive and the riffs work really well. Personally I prefer this to The Darkness, but that’s just me. If you’re a rock fan, you need to own this album. It’s one you won’t regret.

The Dandy Warhols- Thirteen Tales from Urban Bohemia:  An album that has it all. From the enchanting and almost psychedelic opening tracks ‘Godless’, ‘Mohammed’ and ‘Nietzsche’, to then contrast that with a ‘Country Lever’, a country sounding song. Followed by the indie sounding ‘Solid’ and the almost grunge like ‘Horse Pills’.  The next track is then another complete contrast with ‘Get Off’ being an upbeat acoustic number. The mood of the album is then changed again with ‘Sleep’ a brilliant peaceful and laid back track. ‘Cool Scene’ picks up the pace next, another more indie sounding song. The next song, ‘Bohemian like You’ is the one most people are likely to have heard, and the song that brought the band most commercial success. ‘Shakin’ is next, with this song being more difficult to define. Perhaps Indie is the right way to describe it. The album finishes with ‘The Big Indian’ and ‘The Gospel’ which rounds the album off perfectly. They are both slower, more laid back acoustic driven songs. I read somewhere once that one of the strengths of this album is the order of the tracks, and this observation is absolutely spot on. I think something would be lost from this album if the tracks were ordered differently. It’s almost as if you’re taken on a journey through the album. This album gets under your skin, it’s such a barrage of different sounds but somehow it clicks and works perfectly. You’ll have to listen to it yourself to find of out, but it is a truly brilliant album.

The Killers- Sam’s Town: Voted by Rolling Stone magazine as the most underrated album of the 00s and I wholeheartedly agree. This album is epic from start to finish.  Some people may say that it doesn’t match up to their debut ‘Hot Fuss’, and they’re right it doesn’t. It’s a far better album. Now before I go any further, I must admit it took me a while to love this album, but as with all their music, this album grew on me. And it grew on me big time. There is a more ‘rockier’ sound on Sam’s Town compared to the 80s sounding synths on ‘Hot Fuss’ and this is perhaps why people jumped to conclusions about it. Their sound changed, as it has on subsequent albums, and it is not a bad thing. There is not a single bad song or filler track on this album. The singles ‘When You Were Young’, ‘Bones’, ‘Read My Mind’ and ‘For Reasons Unknown’ give you a good taster of what’s on the album, but there is so much more. ‘Enterlude’ and ‘Exitlude’ are brilliantly simple and effective ways of opening and closing the album, while the title track is a massive state of intention and prepares the listener for what is to come. ‘Bling (Confession of a King)’, ‘Uncle Johnny’ and the phenomenal ‘This River Is Wild’ are all sing along anthems. ‘My List’ and ‘Why Do I Keep Counting’ are gentler, but they build to explosive finishes if you perceiver with them. What this album really does though is show case what a genius and brilliantly talented song writer Brandon Flowers. There are few better around at the moment.  To write down how good ‘Read My Mind’ is will not do it justice, you need to turn up the volume, close your eyes and just let the awesomeness run through your body. The same can be said of ‘This River Is Wild’. They will send shivers down your spine. “The stars are blazing like rebel diamonds cut out of the sun…” is a beautifully poetic lyric. They are songs written from the heart, and sung with passion. I’ve seen The Killers live twice, soon to be thrice, and it sounds even better in concert. This album may be the reason that their last two albums have faced a bit of trepidation. They’re not bad albums, far from it, they are fantastic. They just haven’t topped this.

So there you go, give these a listen and there is a very good chance you will become fans of each of these artists.