Song of the Week

Song of the Week: "All I Want" by Kodaline.

"You took my soul and wiped it clean, our love was made for movie screens".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtf7hC17IBM

Ok, I've chosen this song for two reasons: 1) It sums up how I'm currently feeling and 2) It's beautiful. And to top it all off the video's stunning. I may even treat myself and download the EP; who knows! Anyway, I think that's all I have to say for this week - enjoy.

Willy Mason - "Carry On"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zVFL_xvSLI

Turned on Zane Lowe today (a surprise for everyone involved) and this fellow was playing. It's beautiful. That's all I need to say.

Song of the Week

Song of the week: "Good Morning Sunshine" by Alex Day.

"They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, but I can't help but wonder."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7q1bHK8te0

Another one of my favourite vloggers for you this week, this time in the form of Twilight "lover" Alex Day. And why is it the song of the week I hear you ask? Good question; yesterday I forced myself to go to the library and get my reading for psychoanalysis out of the way. It was at that point, at half four on a Sunday, that I decided this couldn't happen without some happy song to get me started. Cue Good Morning Sunshine and POOF, I'm transformed into a lady with purpose. I can do this, life is happy! So yes, for a Monday pick me up, give this a listen. It's unbelievably catchy and cheery.

Song of the Week.

Song of the week: "Duet with Myself" by Charlie McDonnell.

"You're not that perfect either mate, in fact your way too easy to hate..."

Music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVo-S9ns2_A
Studio version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJIjGxSXsKU

My third year of university has began. God save me, if it is right that he should do so (oo, Knight's Tale reference there. Mmmhmm). Anyway, I thought I'd choose a song this week that reminded me of my first year, and nothing says my first year like vloggers does. It was a magical time; I learnt that procrastination took up more of my time than actual work, and helping me were the ever faithful Charlie McDonnell (Charlieissocoollike) and Alex Day (Nerimon). I also discovered Tumblr, but that's irrelevant. As I was saying, watching vloggers took over my first year, and before I knew it my room was full of their merchandise. I regret nothing.

I bought Charlie's solo album ("This is Me, available at dftba.com) in December 2010, and it transported me away. It still does, and I use it when I need a happy little lift. Wonderful Charlie, his ukelele and his kooky lyrics. While Charlie doesn't have the best voice known to man, it's still pretty good. Picking a favourite from the album is fucking hard, but this one comes close. "Chemical Love" and a "A Song About Love" come pretty close too. And "A Song About Acne, and "The Birthday Song" and...

Anyway, forget your troubles, come on GET HAPPY, and enjoy Charlie.

Song of the Week.

Song of the Week: "Normally Strange" by Lower Than Atlantis.

"I need to go insane with someone else, by myself".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJ5uT_ZusBA

As I trust you're all aware (and if not, why the fuck not?) LTA's new album came out today. Forget Muse (although I'm sure their album's pretty good too), all you need is this. It's brilliant. And after careful consideration I've decided that "Normally Strange" is my favourite track on the album, closely followed by "Scared of the Dark". 
But anyway, Normally Strange; I think I may be in love with the lyrics, particularly "I've been praying for some company but I want to be left alone". I don't know about you guys but I often feel like this, like I want company but I want to be by myself at the same time. I love the juxtaposition of it all, from start to finish, and encapsulated by the title "Normally Strange". It all makes perfect sense in an odd way. I would say that I can see this song being brilliant live, but I can actually confirm that it IS brilliant live, like the smug mare I am. So yes, good song, good album. 

Song of the Week.

Song of the Week: "Rubber Lover" by Marmaduke Duke.

"Girl, you're making me scream."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MOjL03-7ao

Until recently I wasn't aware that Marmaduke Duke are/were made up of Simon Neil (from Biffy Clyro, arguably the best band known to man) and JP Reid (from Sucioperro). I've heard this song before, but I'd never really paid much attention to it. It appeared on my radar recently and I can't for the life of me remember where I heard it, but it's now on my ipod and is currently my favourite song. It's the first tune I play when I fire my ipod up. I'm not sure why I like it so much; maybe it's because it's about a sex doll, maybe it's Simon's singing in my ears, or maybe it's because it's an upbeat and cheery song that always makes me want to have a little dance. It's probably a combination of all three; what matters is that it's a good song, and I can't see it slipping down my list of favourite tunes.

On a slightly unrelated note, I read Biffy's interview in NME last week, and I'm incredibly upset that their new album won't be released until the new year. Why would you do this to me Biffy? WHY!?

Morrissey & Marshall

"Pack up Lady" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=IosCrAMNjuc

I've played this song a lot over the past week so I thought I'd share it with you all. Morrissey & Marshall, or Darby and Greg, hail from Dublin and although I haven't had a listen to their other stuff I am very fond of this particular song, "Pack up Lady". It makes me feel happy :) Enjoy!

Song of the Week

Song of the week: "No Rest" by Dry The River.

"I loved you in the best way possible"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iUHfAChgBA

I cannot even begin to explain how difficult it was to pick just one Dry the River song for "Song of the Week". I chose this one because it's the song of theirs that I first heard and thus captured my attention. For anyone who's interested "Weights and Measures" is also fantastic; in fact their whole album (Shallow Bed) is fantastic. I strongly urge you give it a listen. Peter Liddie (frontman) has the most heart breaking voice I've ever heard. It's beautiful. It sounds like he's in emotional pain when he sings (in my opinion anyway) and when I saw them play Reading I felt like giving him a hug and telling him that it's all fine. As for the band live, Peter has this to say on their site: "I think people are surprised when they come to see us live. They expect us to be really calm and quiet but in some ways we're the opposite". It's true, I was expecting calm, and they were, sometimes. Lots of their songs build into crescendos and it's truly intoxicating live. And if all of this isn't a good enough reason to give them a listen, how's this; I entered that gig with two people who had never heard any Dry the River material. They both left saying that they've found a new favourite band. They're just fantastic! Beautiful, heart breaking and dramatic. 

And seriously, listen to Weights and Measures: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5g-DeG0MJc

READING!

So some of you may know that I attended Reading festival over the weekend, and other than my nose getting sunburnt and having piss thrown down my back it all went without a hitch! Here are a list of the bands I saw (in order might I add), some photos and what I thought. Enjoy!

Friday.

1) DEAF HAVANA:

Enjoyable to watch and they were very humble which is always a good quality in a band in my opinion. Nothing worse than coming on stage and saying "We're the best fucking band in the world" (Taking Back Sunday I'm looking at you!). Wouldn't be overly fussed about seeing them again though.

2) ANGELS AND AIRWAVES: Unsurprisingly made me think of Blink-182, just a not as good version. They were ok, but it didn't encourage me to listen to their other music.

3) CRYSTAL CASTLES: I only really saw these guys because I was waiting for You Me At Six. I don't get these guys, personally I don't think she does any proper singing and the music's just not up there. I also didn't like their live version of "Not in Love". Sorry guys.

4) YOU ME AT SIX: Brilliant. Sang my heart out.

5) PARAMORE: 

Also brilliant. Can't not love Hayley Williams.

6) THE CURE: I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Robert Smith hasn't lost his voice, which can often be the way when bands reform after so long apart. Although I enjoyed it (being a Cure fan it's hard not to!) I did think that it went on for a bit too long and that they lost their audience half way through. Gained them back when they played "Friday I'm In Love", but yes, could have been a tad shorter. 

Saturday.

7) BLOOD RED SHOES:

This is the second time I've seen these guys and they didn't disappoint. Thought their set list was pretty good too.

8) TWIN ATLANTIC: Been waiting for this gig for so long! Loved their second album "Free" and they didn't disappoint live. Particularly enjoyed them singing "Crash Land" - just beautiful! Sam did smash his guitar at the end though and I'm not sure how I feel about that...

9) DRY THE RIVER: I thoroughly recommend this band; I already love them but after seeing their set at Reading both of my friends came out saying "these guys are now my new favourite band". They're going to be my "Song of the Week" next Monday so watch this space!

10) ENTER SHIKARI: I must confess I sat down away from the moshing for a lot of this gig, only standing up and having a dance when the songs I knew came on (I would apologise but my feet were killing me and this was my only respite!). They were enjoyable, the crowd were insane and I wouldn't say no to seeing them again.

11) LOWER THAN ATLANTIS: Amazing! My friend and I managed to get near the front for the first two and a half songs but after that we moved back, deciding that although being squished together and dragged along by the crowd is fun (for a bit) if we fell over then we wouldn't get back up alive. But regardless of that they were fantastic; I'm extremely keen to see them again!

12) YOUNG GUNS: I was a tad disappointed with these guys actually, although to be fair to them I was exhausted and thirsty from trying to stay upright throughout LTA, so I probably wasn't paying enough attention.

Sunday.

13) PULLED APART BY HORSES: 

I cannot recommend these guys more; this was my third time seeing them and I'd still love to see them again! I was about four rows from the barrier and they were one of my favourites of this years festival. I was particularly overjoyed when they played "I Punched A Lion In The Throat". Here's hoping I see them again soon!

14) BAND OF SKULLS: As with Enter Shikari I sat down for a lot of this gig, but I'm now rather keen to buy their album "Sweet Sour"; I definitely enjoyed what I heard and hopefully once I've listened to them properly I can see them again.

15) EAGLES OF DEATH METAL:

 Oh dear lord Eagles of Death Metal! I only knew "I Want You So Hard (Boy's Bad News) but that didn't matter, they were good fun live and I'll definitely be looking into their other material. We managed to get on the barrier for these guys and yes, I had Jesse Hughes playing his guitar right in front of me. Exciting stuff.

16) THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM: 

We were also on the barrier for these guys, but I didn't enjoy them quite as much as I thought I would. I'm not sure why but I still think they're a brilliant band so no love lost there!

17) ALL TIME LOW: Not a massive fan of these guys and I was sitting eating my dinner at the back throughout the set, but they seemed like good crowd pleasers so I have to give them kudos for that. And I did find myself singing along when I didn't have a mouthful of halloumi and choritzo! 

18) BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE: Everything I wanted them to be and my second favourite set from the weekend (after the Foos naturally). It was just brilliant, and my favourite was when they got everyone to jump during "Scream Aim Fire". Would definitely love to see them again!

19) THE KAISER CHIEFS: I missed the beginning of their set but the place was packed and I enjoyed what I saw. Wouldn't say no to seeing them live again.

20) THE BLACK KEYS: Thoroughly enjoyed these guys and would love to see them again.

21) THE FOO FIGHTERS: The mighty, legendary Foo Fighters. They were everything I expected and more; if you haven't watched their highlights on BBC Three then get on it NOW!

That just about sums up everything; role on Reading 2013!

So uh guys, I've just met Frank fucking Turner!

Soooooo I just went to a charity gig for Able2UK that Frank was playing at, and he said if you want to say hi then come round to the merch stand. Needless to say I run round there and just as he said, he came out to say hi...

Easily the loveliest guy I've ever met; he spent the time to talk to everyone rather than just sign everything as quickly as possible. It was beautiful :) 

Song of the Week

Song of the week: "Warm Smiles do not make you Welcome here" by Enter Shikari.

"Transformation in progress. Transformation in progress, transformation complete."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8fq_1S0EsE

I should probably confess something to you guys right now; I'm not actually an Enter Shikari fan. I have three of their singles and that's it, I can't work my head around the rest of their stuff. However I am determined to see them at Reading on Saturday, literally just so I can hear Ssssnakepit and this song live. Why? Because they're just mind blowing. It's their classic combination of electronica and metal and screaming and unnnnnnnf it's just brilliant. I just can't get into their other stuff. But that's fine, I'd still like to see them. They're meant to be brilliant live, and I can't wait for Saturday =D

I'm also off to see Frank Turner tonight (eeeep!) and Reading is a matter of days away, which I will be excited about when my tickets arrive. Until then I'm in a mild panic. But I'm sure they'll arrive on time...

Song of the Week

Song of the Week: "Survival" by Muse

"And I won't give in, because I choose to thrive"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jt__jKWoYH8

Was there any doubt that this week my chosen song would be Muse? Ignoring their Olympic performance for the moment, this song in my opinion is brilliant. It's just classic Muse, building up steadily to a crescendo of instrumental bliss. And it's so god damn dramatic! Ladies and gentlemen, your best air guitar impressions please! And of course, they performed last night at the closing ceremony. Epic, genius, Muse. If you haven't already heard it then WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN! But seriously, it's just brilliant. Rather fun to work out to as well.

I should probably apologise for my absence over the past week. I have no excuse, I've just been lazy and uninspired. 

BriBryOnTour, aka Brian Reilly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pwuy5sC-yNU&list=PL610ECC4CF49CFCE9&index=2&feature=plcp

So this rather fine Irish fellow appeared on my recommended youtube videos yesterday, and after watching some his videos (which incidently are rather amusing, check them out here: http://www.youtube.com/user/BriBryontour) I've decided that I am a fan. The song that I've linked in above is just generally feel good and catchy (seriously, I've been singing it all evening) and it makes me feel like I should go out and do more things, celebrate my youth an' all that. I have no idea why though, but hey, it doesn't matter, it's a good song so check it out :)

London 2012 Olympic dressage

All dressed up for the olympics mother fuckers!

(Please note the creepy Fearne Cotton mask in the background. Yeah that;s right, I sleep with that next to my bed everrrrrry night!)

Stingin' Belle

(I took the above photo from Biffy's website, so clicking it won't help you much. However there is a youtube link below to the video).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DafkHhzbXB4&feature=g-u-u

For those of you who are unaware I am a MASSIVE Biffy fan. Tattoo and everything. For me nothing can beat a trio of topless, sweaty Scottish rockers... And moving on from my fantasies to their music; I really really like this song! I love the heavy guitar/drum beats at the beginning and dotted throughout the song, I like the lyrics (especially "you say love, I say killing time") and there's even bagpipes! I also like the choppiness of it, but particularly the heavy guitar bits. I'm all over a good bit of heavy guitars. And did I mention bagpipes?? It's classic Biffy, reminds me of Glitter and Trauma and some of their other earlier stuff, but I don't think it'll be alienating for fans of their later work. It's worth a listen, particularly if you're a rock junkie like me. You won't regret it!

Song of the Week

Song of the Week: "I still Believe" by Frank Turner.


"Now who'd have thought, that after all, something as simple as rock 'n' roll would save them all"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZ-D4jmkUiQ

As the warm-up to the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7M3aiSVtdo

Ah Frank Turner. I've only known you for a year, but what a time we've had... I first paid attention to Frank at Reading festival last year, where although I only vaguely knew a couple of songs I found myself jumping around and at times tearing up (thanks for that "Substitute") along with the rest of them. He's absolutely fantastic live, and he's one of those acts that you can enjoy regardless of how well you know his music. I was literally bouncing on my sofa when I saw him come on at the Olympics Ceremony, and I hope  that he does well from it. It's the kind of anti-folk that everyone should have on their ipod, and it is my firm belief that there is a Frank Turner song out there for everyone that neatly encapsulates their life. Mine is Substitute, for a friend of mine it's "Once we were Anarchists". Go forth my friends and find your Frank Turner song NOW!

I now declare my Lord of the Rings marathon COMPLETE!

2012 London Olympics

OMG FRANK TURNER FRANK TURNER FRANK TURNER! Can't believed he just performed!

If I've said this once over the past month I've said it a thousand times, if there's one thing that Britain does better than the the rest of the world then it's music. That's not to say that other countries haven't bred some fantastic musicians, it's just that there's something epic about music in Britain.

Cannot wait for Muse to perform! Feel so proud to be British right now!

Amy MacDonald

TICKETS PURCHASED!


I think I definitely win the award for best sister of the year; just purchased tickets for my sister's 18th birthday to go see Amy MacDonald. It'll be great to go see her again, seeing as she only played for 50 odd minutes on the Pepsi Max Stage at Hyde Park and in order to get to Bruce on time we missed hearing her play "4th of July". 


I shall begin my day happy!

Love Someone Else

Just received an email from Lower Than Atlantis announcing that they have released the video for their new single "Love Someone Else".


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLNM9i-MmdE

Won't lie, I found the video more memorable than the song, but perhaps I just need to listen to it more. Either way I'm still a Lower Than Atlantis fan! Got to support the home town boys (well, nearly home town).

20 Best Tracks of NME's Lifetime

http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=147&p=12519&title=20_best_tracks_of_nme_s_lifetime_as_vote&more=1&c=1

Follow that link to find a list of some of the best songs of the past 60 years as voted for by the public. It includes the likes of the Kinks, The Arctic Monkeys, The Clash, The Beatles, Pulp, The Cure and Nirvana (naturally). I'm rather impressed with it, but what about you guys? Any songs that you would have voted for that haven't made the cut?

Song of the Week

Song of the Week: "Sunny Afternoon" by the Kinks.


"Now I'm sitting here, sipping at my ice cold beer, lazing on a sunny afternoon."


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMp78tH2u7I

Apologies for the late post, I was preoccupied with the sudden appearance of a blue, cloudless sky that some unforeseen force had graced Britain with... This is one of the my favourite Kinks songs for two reasons: 1) It's in The Boat That Rocked (top film, wicked soundtrack), and 2) it embodies that lazy, summer feeling that I can currently feel thrumming through my bones. The sun has finally arrived; light the barbecues, crack open a cider, and get on the lazing side of things. Weather like this is made for relaxation!

The Dark Knight Rises - 5 stars.

OH GOD THIS FILM! Definitely jizzed several times over the 2 hours and 40 minutes of sheer genius that is this film. Christopher Nolan, I bow down to you. But on a serious note, this film is fantastic and definitely worth seeing, especially if you thought the first two were good. I genuinely don't think there's a single thing about this film that I didn't like. The ending was shocking, it was action packed and full of brilliant acting. This is what Spider-man was missing; effectively it wasn't Batman. After seeing this you end up thinking "wow, Spider-man stopped a mutant lizard-man. And what?". Additionally I loved Anne Hathaway as Catwoman. I wish I looked that good in a catsuit. Lastly I enjoy how the film is linked back to the first one; there are several moments when you gasp and say "No way!". For fans of the trilogy it's much appreciated. 


GO SEE IT. That's an order.

I'm no teenage icon.

Just got sent an email about The Vaccines new single "Teenage Icon" which will be available in the UK on the 2nd of September; won't lie, not entirely sure if I like it or not. I think it'll be a grower, the chorus in particular is rather catchy, I can already tell that I'll find myself singing it later this evening. 

You can watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFUKrsDDChE&utm_content=nllink-112028e1-YouTube+-+Teenage+Icon+-+text&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email-ukcolumbia-thevaccines-20120720-nl287269844&utm_source=ukcolumbia-thevaccines&cid=nl%3A287269844

The band did a session for Zane Lowe on Wednesday which is still available to hear: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/sessions/2012-07-18_thevaccines?cid=nl%3A287269844&utm_medium=email&utm_source=ukcolumbia-thevaccines&utm_campaign=email-ukcolumbia-thevaccines-20120720-nl287269844&utm_content=nllink-112028e4-Maida%20Vale%20session%20-%20image#p00w8cgl

Yes, I Was Drunk

New single from Twin Atlantic my friends! And this one is particularly exciting (for me at least) because it's my favourite track from their album "Free". If I could marry Sam McTrusty's voice then believe me, I would. There's something about Scottish vocals... anyway, it's worth three odd minutes of your time to have a listen. I particularly love the rough edge to his voice when he sings "so I got in the car and put her into first". Enough to make a lonely woman melt... Roll on Reading!


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

Ryan Keen - Orelia

So F.Cott played this on her Radio 1 show today and I've just checked it out; How does he do that with his guitar?! I'm in awe. Literally drooling at his guitar skillzzzzz.The bio on his website (http://www.ryankeen.co.uk) describes his music as containing "emotionally driven lyrics, warm vocals" and has a "rhythmic percussive style of guitar playing". He hails from South Devon and has toured with the likes of Ed Sheeran, Ben Howard and Newton Faulker. He released his EP "Focus" this year and below is a link to one of the tracks from it - Orelia. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqQWCu4oUNI


Enjoy!

Song of the Week

Song of the Week: "Thunder Road" by Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band.


"Show a little faith there's magic in the night, you ain't a beauty but hey you're alright, and that's alright with me."


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMB3M43AEpc

Live and captivating at Hyde Park: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NtmjSnLqxc


Well ladies and gentlemen, I could easily leave this as it's Bruce and "Thunder Road", 'nuff said. This is my personal favourite of the Boss's, and I think after listening to it it's evident why it's popular with the fans. He opened with this at Hyde Park on Saturday, and everyone there knew the words. It was quite simply magical. I also love that lyric, "you ain't a beauty but hey, you're alright, and that's alright with me". It makes me think that so long as the man or woman you're with loves you for you then that's fine, you don't need to be the most beautiful creature in the land! So roll down your windows and go find the promise land, Bruce my friend, I salute you!


P.S. While the live footage may not have the best video quality the sound's good you can still get a decent feel for how magical it was to be there in that moment. Well worth watching!

Song of the Week

Song of the Week: "Wake Me Up" by Ed Sheeran.


"I could do without a tan on my left hand, where my fourth finger meets my knuckle"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFhwqVH5hRk


Quite simply this man is a musical genius, but I'm sure I don't need to tell you that. There's something hypnotic about seeing him live that's very refreshing. My Mum asked me recently how old he is and when I told her that he's only 21 she shook her head and said he's too young to be singing with that level of emotion, he shouldn't be able to do it. I think this song displays that, it's one of my favourite love songs, and I hope you guys enjoy it too :) 

My summer of music.

Ladies and gentleman, I am proud to announce that my summer of music is about to begin! I'm catching a coach at half 11 tonight to Newquay (I'll get in at 7.15am tomorrow, bleurgh), and on Sunday I'll be seeing Blink-182 at the Eden Project! I'm slightly excited about it.

And the fun doesn't stop there my friends, ohhhhhh no, next Saturday I'll be seeing Bruce Springsteen and Amy Macdonald at Hard Rock Calling, and then on 20th August I'll be seeing Franky T (that's Frank Turner) at the Roundhouse. Finally I'll be off to Reading Festival at the end of August, coincidently coinciding with my 20th birthday. Now wasn't that considerate of the organisers.


My summer of music shall now BEGIN! Here's a picture of my excited "it's all too much" face, to give you an idea of how excited I'm currently feeling.

The Amazing Spider-man - 4 stars

I really, really wanted to put this film on my not so coveted five star list, but it just fell a bit short for me. Maybe I'm being too cynical, but I didn't find the love story particularly believable, it was a bit slow, and if I'm being really picky there was some unnecessary piano thriller music when Gwen was trying to sort the antidote out. Oh and I found Spidey a bit arrogant. Sorry Andrew. On the other hand I really enjoy Rhys Ifans, Emma Stone and the story of Spider-man in general. There was just something missing for me. Definitely worth seeing though!

Song of the Week

Song of the Week: "Bones" by Young Guns.


"We're all architects of our own private hell, no-one can hurt us like we hurt ourselves"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qk3vjIDuy9w

Rather fond of this song, and I cannot wait to see them at Reading! (Festival Republic Stage, Saturday). It's been going round my head all day now. Currently listening to the album, I'll have to decide whether or not it's worth a recommendation. If nothing else the artwork's fantastic!


The lead singer's voice sounds a lot like someone else's, but I can't for the life of me figure out whose. Any insight would be greatly appreciated :).

Just another day at work.

Nothing quite like being allowed to wear nice clothes to work for a change... Huzzah to waitressing at a prom!

Amy MacDonald

Ah Amy, you beautiful beautiful woman....
This is Amy's third studio album, released on the 11th of June, and I must confess I was pleasantly surprised. I was always very fond of "This Is The Life" (released in 2007), but I wasn't overly enamoured with "A Curious Thing" (released in 2010), so I was dubious about this. However I urge you to give the album a listen; I'll link in my favourites below. I'm now extremely excited to see her at Hyde Park!


Slow It Down (track 3): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGwXzrW5mFc

4th Of July (track 1): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJcacG5xoMA

The Green and the Blue (track 11): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abeg_bYmC2E

But what about you guys? Were you always fans, have I converted you, or are you not so keen?

Embellished Collars.

Welcome ladies and gentleman! This is probably the extent of my sewing skills, however, being the thrifty student that I am I decided that rather than buying an embellished collar I may as well take one of my shirts and give the ol' needle and thread a whirl. Granted, not the best collar  in the world, but I'm content with my results. Tea Junkie: 1, needle and thread: 0!