'Finally moving' by Pretty Lights

Recently discovered this lovely mix by an American electronic music artist called 'Pretty Lights', I think this is beautiful and well worth listening to, even if only once. Such 'chill' music.



Go and visit the Pretty Lights Website (does tend to takes a while to load), you can also find a lot of his work on youtube.

Party Ben!

I first found out about 'Party Ben' a few years ago while listening to 'The Chris Moyles Breakfast Show', on BBC Radio 1, he played one of Party Ben's mixes featuring Beyonce's 'Single Ladies' vs 'The Andy Griffith Show Theme'. The result an even catchier version of 'Single Ladies', in my opinion. Such a fun mix.

I decided to look in on Party Ben's website again today and 'snagged' a few freebie downloads and I am so pleased I did. This guy is such a creative genius, love his mixes and how he comes up with the combo's I'll never know (although I know I come up with some pretty random stuff sometimes in what I get creative with too).


I feel as though I could ramble on for ages saying how fun his mixes are, but better still, go to his website and find out for yourself. Hope you enjoy his creativity as much as I do!!

Jonsi - "Go"

I discovered this album last year. Jonsi is amazing, I'm sat listening to the album for the first time in couple of months or so and it's still brilliant. His genius with instruments and his voice are haunting and beautiful. It's not your 'run of the mill' type music, almost a bit experimental.

If you have an open minded approach to music then its worth listening to, and you might have already heard some of the tracks on his album used in adverts and programs on the TV.

If you want to be transported away, give it a go, it's amazing.

A Tale of 2 Buddy's: Buddy The Musical - Milton Keynes

After seeing Buddy at Cambridge the other week, we decided to go again, this time to Milton Keynes, which firstly I have to say Milton Keynes theatre is wonderful, great place to go and see a show. This time we took our 3 children with us.

We were lucky enough to meet Steve Dorsett (who plays J.P. Richardson/Big Bopper) and Gary Trainor (who plays Hipockets Duncan) before the show, what lovely men they are too and they helped to 'direct' us to the box office, 'Thanks, Steve and Gary!'.

This time Glen Joseph was playing Buddy, in Cambridge we saw Roger Rowley, who played him brilliantly and is a real bundle of energy and enthusiasm. I have to admit, and ,maybe, I should feel slightly ashamed to admit this, but I actually didn't want Glen to be as good as Roger. *Gasp*. However Glen's performance was brilliant too. Both Roger and Glen have their own 'take' on playing Buddy and there are some 'artistic differences' from the two performers but, I have to admit, both of them are brilliant playing Buddy. If I was put on the spot and had to try and choose a favourite, I honestly don't think I can, to me it would be like being asked which of my 3 kids is my favourite.

The rest of the cast were amazing, again, even with the odd technical hiccup along the way, it never detracted from the performance. Steve Dorsett and Miguel Angel put on amazing performances again as the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens. The ladies of the cast were wonderful as were the rest of the cast.

My three kids loved the show too, so it goes to show it IS a family show. On our way back to the car we, again, saw Steve and Gary, but also had the opporunity of meeting Glen, who is absolutely lovely in person, and then, lo and behold, out came Roger too, who also took the time for a chat and a photo. So we actually got to meet 'The two Buddy's'.

I just want to take a moment to mention all the cast members names, they deserve a mention as they do such a great job: Gary Trainor (Hipockets Duncan) , Steve Dorsett(Big Bopper), Kyle Riley (Norman Petty), Glen Joseph (Buddy on some performances), Roger Rowley (Buddy on some performances), Christopher Redmond (plays Joe B Maudlin - watch for the double bass acrobatics, he does a great job and is more fun to watch), Tom Millen(Jerry Allison - brilliant drummer), Alex Marshall (Radio Engineer and DJ at The Apollo), Katia Sartini (Vi Petty and Maria Elena's aunt - great actress, singer and musician), Felicity Chilver (Candy and Maria Elena - wish I looked as good as her in a satin 'slip' and dressing gown, great performer and gets to kiss both Buddy's! Lucky lady!), Melissa Keyes (Apollo Entertainer and Shirley - Brilliant singer, knows how to shake her thang and brilliant comic timing) Miguel Angel (Apollo entertainer and Ritchie Valens - fantastic voice and looks great in lycra, and can shake his thang too!) I hope I've spelt all your names correctly.

IF you haven't seen this show, yet, especially with this cast, I strongly urge you to go and see it. It's fun, it's emotional, educational and a joy to watch. These performers are a great team and, the ones we met before and after the show, are also really nice people in their 'civvies' too. The show only runs until December 3rd, so go check to see if they're coming near you, it's worth seeing. (Maybe I should be taken on in promo section, which incidently I'm not working for them, at all, just an enthusiastic theatre goer). Let Buddy Holly's legacy live on!

http://www.buddythemusical.com

Courtney Woolsey

I first came across Courtney on youtube a couple of years ago, looking up the song 'Lollipop', she had done a great video of it, all harmonised and quite a fun little video too. Here it is below:



Anyway, the other day I was looking around at Doo-wop music and Lollipop came up so I sat and found Courtney's version again, but I found she'd done loads more since I'd last looked on her youtube channel. She also has had a bit of an image change too, and she looks stunning. So, watch these video's below, I cannot believe how good she is, she is a brilliant musician and singer, she deserves every success ahead of her and she has apparently landed herself a record contract, well done Courtney!!!

Tommy Emmanuel

I was sat here this evening flicking through the Cambridge Corn Exchange 'upcoming events' program we picked up the other week and came across Tommy Emmanuel, whom I've never heard of, curiosity got the better of me and I decided to look him up on youtube.

He is an Australian guitarist, so this is where youtube can come into its own, whenever a performer is involved I find it one of the best places to start. So I click on one of the video's, it starts playing.................and............I was TRANSFIXED. Oh my word can this bloke play a guitar!! He plays a guitar how I would wish to play the guitar. I can't play, I've tried a few times, but it doesn't suit me (I'm a craft loving person who likes sensation in the ends of my fingers). Anyway, watch these below, what an amazing musician. I love it when a musical artist makes it look effortless, that's when you know they've mastered their craft.

Buddy The Musical: The Buddy Holly Story

Place: Cambridge Corn Exchange
Date: 16th September 2011
Performance: 5.30pm

My review: I have to admit, I do have a wide range of music taste, and there are probably loads of shows out there in 'theatre-land' I'd love to see, but Buddy wasn't high on MY list. My husband got the tickets, a show he wanted to see and generally if there's music in it, I'll be fine. I, obviously, knew some of Buddy Holly's more famous songs (That'll be the day, Every day and Peggy Sue) and the fact that he'd been killed in a plane crash, many years ago, along with Richie Valens and 'The Big Bopper' (J P Richardson), what I didn't realise, until I saw this production, was his influence on the 'Rock 'n' Roll' industry.

When the curtain went up and the performance started firstly it was fun to see the 1950's USA branding on the set. To hear Buddy, played by Roger Rowley (and Glen Joseph on some performances), singing country style music, to start with, caught my attention. Suddenly I realised there must be loads I never knew about Buddy Holly, and I was right.

The cast were brilliantly put together and all complimented one another, all the crew did a great job. It's a relatively light hearted show, a few amusing scenes, as well as some passionate acting on how Buddy must have felt in being held back in what he believed in.

Steve Dorsett, The Big Bopper/J P Richardson, did a great performance along with Miguel Angel, Richie Valens, who had plenty of energy to play such a young enthusiastic musician too, and looked great in all that lycra. Melissa Keyes, who played one of the Apollo performers as well as one of the 'Snowbirds' showed great comedic timing and an excellent set of biceps (couldn't help but notice them and slightly jealous). Katia Sartini who played Vi Petty and Maria Elena's aunt was wonderful and her playing on the Celesta was beautiful. The last of the female cast was Felicity Chilver who played Maria Elena (Buddy Holly's widow) and Candy was brilliant and held a good solid performance. All three of the ladies were in the 'Snowbirds' and sang beautifully, again showing some character during their performance.

The whole cast were fantastic and I find it hard to not name everyone as I think I may have fallen in love with the lot of them. To go along to a performance not really knowing what you'll find is always intriguing, however to find at the end you're standing up dancing, clapping and singing along with the cast shows what a great job they did.

Buddy's death was dealt with in a very sensitive way, but as we should remember, don't mourn the loss of him, be grateful he graced us with his talents and bravery of taking on a difficult industry and leaving us with such a great legacy.

I fully encourage people, young and old (I may have been the youngest on the front row middle section) to go and see Buddy while you can. We came away with a few extra mementos and a new found appreciation for Buddy Holly, his work and legacy and the amazing show to help celebrate his life.



The Buddy cast have a great youtube channel too, although it makes you wonder if some of them have a little too much time on their hands.
http://www.youtube.com/user/buddythemusical

Save me San Francisco by Train (album review)

Album description: Save Me, San Francisco, from Grammy Award-winning band Train, contains the new summer anthem, “Hey, Soul Sister” and is the multi-platinum-selling band’s fifth studio album hearkening back to the band’s early days in the mid-‘90s, when they first formed in the city by the bay.

This album marks the restoration of Train’s original line-up, including vocalist Pat Monahan, guitarist Jimmy Stafford and drummer Scott Underwood, since 2003’s platinum offering, My Private Nation. Train recorded Save Me, San Francisco in London’s Kensaltown Studios, with producer Martin Terefe (Jason Mraz, KT Tunstall, James Morrison) at the helm, helping the band tap into their organic, distinguished sound. The album’s lead track, “Hey, Soul Sister”, is charismatic, fresh, and laden with hooks that stick in your head all day, perfect to celebrate the dog days of the summer season.

The song also marks a new direction from Train’s classic style found in prior hits such as “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)”, “Calling All Angels” and “Meet Virginia”.


My review: Yay, finally found some new stuff from Train!! I loved the album ‘Drops of Jupiter’, which I got while living in the States. Recently heard ‘Hey Soul Sister’ on the radio and instantly loved it (there’s something about a ukulele on a song that makes it sound ‘sunny and summery’) so looked around for the newest album and here it is.

The album sounds great, very easy listening and with some great tracks. I find that, singer, Pat Monahan has quite a soothing voice to listen to. Their music is so melodic and catchy, it has me hooked. Great instrumentation on the tracks with plenty of great beats and guitar riffs to keep the toes tapping.

From catchy upbeat tunes to soulful, sentimental songs it has a lot going for it and I love it.

Train 'Hey Soul Sister' and Scissor Sisters 'Fire with fire'.

A couple of songs I'm loving right now!!

Train: Hey Soul Sister


Scissor Sisters: Fire with fire (released on June 20th 2010)

Immersion by Pendulum (album review)

Description: Pendulum made one of the biggest breakthroughs of the 2000s with their hit album In Silico. Having sold over one million records worldwide, the band completed a sell out Academy tour in 2008 and went on to smash the international festival circuit in summer 2009 with killer appearances at Glastonbury, Download, V and Global Gathering to name a few. Both Pendulum studio albums to date-–In Silico and the band’s debut Hold Your Colour-–have gone Platinum.

Immersion's lead single "Watercolour" heralds a glorious evolution in the Pendulum sound. Now utilising a richer sonic tapestry than ever before, "Watercolour" finds Rob Swire's vocals alternating between eerie distortion and full-blooded energy amidst flourishes of horns and an atmospheric, tension building breakdown. The track's progressive structure highlight's Pendulum's continuing development in constructing contrasting dynamics.



My review: My main reaction to this album is: Its high octane for the ears!! Plenty of dance energy, drum ‘n’ bass and a touch of rock/metal. I sat listening to it not really thinking much, just flowing from one track to the next while browsing the internet and, generally, enjoying the tracks. If you have heard Pendulum’s work on the radio, then you know what sort of music they produce, good thumping tracks with energy aplenty.

A few tracks were reminiscent of Prodigy. Personally, I wasn’t so keen on the track ‘Self vs Self’ maybe a bit OTT on the raspy/death growl intervention of ‘In Flames’ (featured on the track), I don’t mind a bit of metal, but I don’t know that this vocal was too complimentary to the track, I guess I’m just not into Death Metal. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of fans out there who will love the track though.

I quite liked the album, don’t know that it will be a regular on my mp3 player, but if I fancy some D&B/rock sounds then it may be one I’ll head to before some others

Strike by The Baseballs (album review)

Description: The Baseballs are three certified rock 'n' roll singers who bring back the essence of the 50's with a modern twist. To quote the band "we take good songs and lead them to their true calling".

Basti, Digger and Sam have achieved enormous success across Europe with their rock 'n' roll versions of hits by Rihanna, Leona Lewis, Robbie Williams and Beyonce.



My review: This album intrigued me from the moment I saw the promo on the TV. Some recent songs that have been hits in the charts, by the relevant artists, covered and sung by the three piece German band, The Baseballs, in a ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ 50’s style. Hmm, I thought, that sounds interesting, this could be good, or not!?

Well, my intrigue has turned into, somewhat, surprised delight! The songs are the ones you’ve, probably, sung along to on the radio, so you already know the words, but they have this wonderful 50’s style twist on them that really works. It does make me wonder what the original artists might make of the covers. All in all, though, I think it’s a great album for those who like the more recent songs, on the album, but with the twist ‘The Baseballs’ give them.

Riceboy sleeps by Jonsi and Alex (album review)

Description: This debut album from Jon Thor "Jonsi" Birgisson, the voice of Icelandic post-rockers Sigur Ros, was written and recorded with his partner Alex Somers, with whom he has also produced an acclaimed body of visual art. With strings performed by long-term Sigur Ros collaborators Amiina and a contribution by the Kopavogsdaetur choir, the album is a lush, blissful ambient experience, sounding much like Sigur Ros but shornof the rock instrumentation, huge build-ups and epic crescendos.

My review: After discovering, and loving, Jonsi’s album, Go, I had to find out if his collaboration with his partner, Alex Somers, was just as good. And it is, but it’s also very different from Jonsi’s solo project. This album is not solely Jonsi’s work, you don’t get the soaring falsetto voice soothing you and there’s no energizing drum beats.

The album is as good as any classical symphony I’ve ever heard, truly beautiful and very well orchestrated and produced. Not just ‘traditional’ instruments, you hear things in the music that are more ‘natural’, more organic, sounds of water, voices (human and animal), air and more. Some of the tracks have an, almost, hypnotic calmness about them, beautifully haunting.

The innocent young, fresh, choral work on Boy 1904 gave me chills and goosebumps. Truly angelic voices and beautiful uplifting sounds to raise them to new heights.

With a sound of pure ambient blissfulness that can transport you to a calm zone away from the everyday struggles of the day. I haven’t done Yoga in a number of years, but I could quite imagine this would be amazing for meditating to. The natural sounds within the tracks make you conjure visions of rippling water, wind-chimes, tall swaying grass in the calm breeze and more.

This isn’t just music, this is musical art, it’s beautiful, uplifting, calming. It gives you inner peace that life can swipe out from under your feet with the everyday grind of living. I shall definitely listen to this again, when I need to relax, and preferably when the children are not around, maybe after they’ve gone to bed or are at school. Highly recommend for anyone looking to zone out and chillax. Run a big hot bubble bath, put candles around the bathroom, play this while you sip a nice glass of wine or a bottle of beer (if that’s your preference) and feel the tranquility wash over you.


Jonsi and Alex's website can be found here.

Only revolutions by Biffy Clyro (album review)

Description: Fifth album, following 2007's 'Puzzle', from the Scots progressive indie rockers. Here they forgo the overt commercialism of 'Puzzle' in favour of a return to their classic style welding emo-style structures to technically complex math- and jazzcore elements. Named for the novel by Mark Danielewski, produced once again by Garth Richardson (Gallows) and withstriking cover artwork shot by the legendary Storm Thorgerson, the album includes the singles 'Mountains', 'The Captain' and 'That Golden Rule'.

My review: I found out about Biffy Clyro only in the last year or so through listening to Radio One. I have to admit I do quite like the Scottish Indie Rockers! Their music is full of energy, loads of guitar riffs and brilliant beats. The album has a good mix of pounding songs that you can’t help moving to and some great power ballads, like Many of Horrors. I have to admit a slight love of the Scots lilt in the singers accent, it doesn’t come through very strongly, but there’s the odd word that it comes through, that I love.

After listening to the whole album I don’t believe there is one song that I was repulsed by, always a good sign, I didn’t want to fast forward to the next track, it’s a good album with plenty to offer. After reading a few online reviews I see that some of the old school Biffy fans don’t all love the sound of this album, saying they’ve got a bit soft. Well, it sounds fine to me, but then I’m a Biffy ‘newbie’.

I would definitely listen to this album again, it’s a great rock album to listen to, can imagine it would be good to do a workout to (or do a rigorous bit of housework to).

Biffy Clyro's website can be found here.

Travelling like the light by V V Brown

Description: V V Brown is a singer, a songwriter, a performer, multi-instrumentalist and a producer, who first came to attention after landing an upfront slot on Later With Jools Holland. Her performance on the show won her a lot of admirers, including Damon Albarn, who invited her to perform on his Africa Exprez adventure in Lagos. Though music has always been a big part of V Vs life, with early influences including Ruth Brown, Elvis Presley and, just as importantly, the music from Super Marioland.

Travelling Like The Light, is a perfect introduction to the 25-year old’s sound. In this young lady’s world, love sounds like the perfect melody. Both are difficult to define she says, but both pour out of the songs on her debut album. This is music which sounds like performance: dramatic, charismatic and, frequently, as mad as a box of frogs. This is high definition, high concept pop with scuffed edges and laddered tights. V V describes her music as "musical mashed potatoes", which must, therefore, make her songs "smash hits"--but there’s nothing instant or synthetic about these pop tunes. Her songs are instantly addictive and unmistakably honest, with lyrics asking "what the bloody point is" answered by melodies full of life and reasons to be cheerful. The contradiction works, throwing the listener from happy to sad and back again in the space of three minutes.

My review: I shall be VERY honest here and say I knew nothing about VV Brown until my eldest son took part in the Young Voices Concert at the O2 Arena in December 2009 and she was named as one of the artists to star at it (after seeing the DVD from that I cannot believe the legs on this girl!! She has SERIOUSLY long legs, yes, I’m jealous). THEN at Christmas I found the BBC running a ‘preview’ of their viewing with a REALLY catchy song that had been tweaked from the original, and it was one of VV Brown’s (the track called: L.O.V.E) . So, on the basis of this I got me the album.

I have to admit, she has a lovely voice, very smooth and easy to listen to. There is a host of upbeat tracks to dance and sing along to, along with a few slower tempo tunes too, the kind to smooch with your beloved or just chill out with a glass of wine in your hand. It’s a nicely produced album with a nice mix of tracks to show off her voice and style. My personal favourite tracks are: L.O.V.E, Everybody, Crazy Amazing (has a sound of ‘Heart and Soul’ by Hoagy Carmicheal) and Shark in the water.

All in all it’s a good fun album with a good mix to suit most moods. I hope she has a bright future in the music industry.


Her official website can be found here

Rocky Horror Show: my review

Rocky Horror Show: Cambridge Corn Exchange Saturday 8th May 2010 5.30pm performance

I was treated to a night out on the town in Cambridge, while we had some willing babysitters looking after the kids. We went into Cambridge to the Corn Exchange to watch ‘The Rocky Horror show’. It was my first time, yes, I shall openly admit, I was a Rocky Horror virgin, until Saturday, at least. Now, I have been changed forever. My mind will never be the same again. My eyes will never look at things the same way and my ears have been forever influenced by the debauched, unadulterated, throbbing fun of that show.

Before I review the show, itself, I do have to point out, the people that go along to the show, some of them ‘die hard’ fans, go in some amazing outfits!! Including men coming in corsets, stockings, heels and g-strings (yes, cover your eyes people, it can get shocking!) and there was even a man dressed up as Janet, full garb, blonde wig, pink dress, full make-up the works, and he looked spectacularly DEVINE!! It’s all in the name of fun and now my Rocky Horror cherry has been plucked, I may partake in a little dress up if I was to go a second time.

I was thrilled to see our narrator for the evening was, none other than, Nigel Planer, ‘Neil’ from The Young Ones’ fame and lots more besides. His wonderful quick thinking and wit made a treat for the ‘fun heckling’ that erupted throughout the performance. I have to admit, other than Nigel, I hadn’t heard of any of the cast members before, however, I’m not likely to forget many of them in a hurry now. David Bedella played the seductively alluring Sweet Transvestite Frank ‘n’ Furter from Transexual Transylvania. My oh my, does that man have a very seductive deep velvet voice, even with the war paint on he definitely has the seductivity down well. Dear Riff Raff was played by Brian McCann and he has a great set of lungs on him and can play the creepy butler to a tee. Our dear naïve heroine and hero, Janet and Brad, were played by Haley Flaherty and Richard Meek, they were fantastic and kept the energy going throughout. And, I cannot forget the rippling Rocky played by Domonic Tribuzio, anybody who likes to look at a nicely ripped male body will definitely welcome him onstage, even in his leopard print speedos (that’s what they looked like from where I was sitting) and his back flips were amazing! Columbia and Magenta are amazing female sidekicks too, amazing voices and with their high kicks and splits while dressed in those costumes, I will say, rather them than me, great job.

Of course the creativity of this production comes from the depths of the mind of Richard O’Brien and this stage production was directed by Christopher Luscombe. I feel these people deserve a mention, all the cast and stage crew did an amazing job and have made me want to do a return visit the next time I can. The musicians were amazing, making the floor shake, the air scream with sound and complimented the songs and voices of the singers, brilliant work.

The whole thing was amazing, full of energy, full of enthusiasm, full of nylon and lace, heavy makeup and high heels. I have to admit, I am feeling the need to get myself a corset, fishnets and heels, slap on some over-the-top make-up and strut around the house and maybe do the Timewarp. Heck, if David Bedella can look that good in the get up, then I’m sure I could give it a go. By the end, pretty much the whole cast is in nylon stockings, suspenders, corsets/basques/waspies (whatever you want to call them) and heels. The story is brilliant, the cast shone, the hecklers added to it, and the cast made brilliant comebacks too. I didn’t quite know what to expect, and in saying that, I had a slight shock once or twice, but it’s all in the fun of the show, don’t go if you don’t like sexual innuendo and the like, you may get offended.

But if you do dare to partake in a bit of Rocky Horror entertainment, I’ll be surprised if you come out not enjoying yourself and buzzing for hours afterwards with the fun filled adrenaline you’ll leave with. The encore of the Timewarp had the whole theatre dancing along and singing. I don’t feel a standing ovation is enough for the dedication these people give to this show, or any show come to that. I have a lot of respect for stage performers, my dad used to do Amateur Dramatics and I know it’s hard work, learning the script and taking on the role of the part you play, be it in a play, musical or as a music group. To come out, night after night doing these performances and entertaining the audience isn’t easy and I doff my hat to them all. It’s a night I shall remember for a long time and relish replaying parts of it in my head. It had me laughing, singing and dancing and I enjoyed every single moment. I can highly recommend going to see the show, when it’s playing near you, but they do have different narrators, so don’t forget to check who’s narrating too, although I’m sure they all do a great job.

It’s hard to end this review I cannot seem to say enough good things about the show, cast and crew, they were amazing, wonderful, brilliant and awe inspiring. Go and lose your Rocky Horror cherry, if you haven’t already, and if you have, then I know you’re probably sitting there with a quirk of a smile on your lips and, probably, have a song or two from the show playing in your head. It’s a seductively engrossing treat not to be missed.


Check out the website: Rocky Horror Show.

Seldom seen kid by Elbow (album review)

Description: Epic post-rock tinged emotional indie stalwarts Elbow release their fourth album 'The Seldom Seen Kid', another staunch and anthemic collection of songs. The tense and emotional sound of previous records remains, but with a distinctly more commercial riff-based template, particularly on lead single'Grounds For Divorce'. The band produced the record themselves, as with previous outings, lending it a homespun quality that would be out of synch with any external influence. Revered by their peers as a reliably independent act, Elbow have created a subtly innovative extension of their sound and scope with 'The Seldom Seen Kid'.

My review: This is not the most upbeat album I’ve ever heard, there are a few nice tracks on it, but I wouldn’t recommend listening to it if you are feeling depressed, it may just drag you deeper. I do find that Guy Garvey’s voice is, somewhat, therapeutic and hypnotic to listen to.

I absolutely love the tracks Grounds for Divorce, its gritty guitar riff and Garvey’s gravely voice is just brilliant, and the string section orchestration serenity of ‘One day like this’ just transports me to a nice place and I’m very guilty of listening to that track on repeat, quite regularly. I do have to say, in my opinion, I think these two tracks save the album, slightly.

Not an album I’m likely to listen to over and over, except for a few tracks.

Jason Derulo by Jason Derulo (album review)

Description: This is the self-titled debut album from American R&B artist Jason Derulo. Produced by J.R. Rotem (Rihanna, Leona Lewis) Derulo delivers an album of slickly produced R&B and euro-trance inspired pop similar in vein to The Black Eyed Peas, Chris Brown and Keri Hilson. The Billboard Hot 100 number one single 'Whatcha Say' is included.

My review: I’ve had to listen to this album a couple of times before I could really write a review, I think the first listen was not one that sunk in, for me, on listening to it for a second time it didn’t sound how I’d remembered, it sounded better. It’s quite a nice album, good mix of softer more smoochy songs along with a few boppier songs for good measure (I seem to find time to listen to music while I’m cooking dinner with my mp3 player plugged in, and I found myself bopping to one track while getting my foil out the draw and lining my grillpan – there’s a visual for you!! HAHA)

He does like reminding you who he is, HAHA, on a few tracks you hear “JASON DERULO” being said at some point. Most of it seems to stem along the lines of ‘hormones and dating’, when you read between the lines. Take it as you will, it is written by a man, so I guess to a woman listening to it I can see the younger male hormone surge in the music. The album is quite easy listening, in a respect, and is one I will probably listen to in the future too.

This is war by 30 seconds to Mars (album review)

This is war by 30 seconds to Mars

Great album, lots of gritty songs with energetic drumming and powerful guitar. A lot of the songs start off with a lower key start and really build to a massive crescendo. Jared Leto’s voice goes from whispering to raspy and soaring in an instant and helps bring their individual sound into its own. Personally, I like the choral work that is done on here, sounding like they either use a choir or they use sound bites from a concert audience, either way it adds to the likeability of some of the tracks.

The collaboration with Kanye West on the song Hurricane is well, and respectfully, done. Kanye’s distinct voice, and style, melds well with the track.

For me, my favourite tracks are Kings and Queens and Alibi, a more slower, lower energy ballad, but still with the powerful taste of 30 seconds to Mars personality.

To sum this album up, if I want to have a bit of a ‘rocking out’ session, this will possibly be one I’ll turn to. Oh, and you simply must watch the video they made for Kings and Queens, it’s amazing and almost like a mini film.

Click on here to go watch the video on youtube!

Jonsi - Go (review)

Album description: Go is the exhilarating, joyful and fearless solo album from Jón Thor Birgisson, known to the world as Jónsi, the lead singer of Sigur Rós.

Featuring nine songs drawn from the large pool of material amassed by Jónsi during his many years as singer with Sigur Rós, and arranged in collaboration with classical wunderkind Nico Muhly ("one of the hottest composers on the planet" - Daily Telegraph), Go also features sleeve art conceptualised and realised by Jónsi's sisters Inga and Lilja.


My review: I got this album yesterday and it is amazingly beautiful! It's hard to describe, but if you want to 'zone out' and chillax it's a brilliant piece of musical art to listen to. The production is amazing, the melodies are haunting and beautiful, it's such a cocktail of so many things, the vocals are almost angelic, the drumming can get fearce and pounding yet soothing. The insturment use is positively inspiring.

There are parts of the album that remind me, vaguely, of Clannad, Imogen Heap or Loreena McKennit. If you like to be soothed to the core of your soul and made to feel as though you're floating in your own little bubble then you should give this a listen. It transports you out of your worries and woes and brings me, almost, at a loss for words. I can see me listening to this album over and over again!!

Jonsi's website!

Feel good music list!

(Turn your speakers on and listen while you read :) )

I think I've come up with a good combination of songs to cheer me up at any time! Some of these songs have got me through some 'down' times and sometimes I just play them for the sake of singing my heart out, not always very well in tune. Each of these songs has an 'uplifting' message or tune, they're just good 'feel good' music. All the tracks are available on itunes, I've checked.

My list is (And I'm currently playing these as I write this blog):

Wake up Boo by The Boo Radleys

Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves

Things can only get better by D:Ream

Always look on the bright side of life by Eric Idle/Monty Python

Gotta keep smiling by Scouting for girls (song 2 on their 'This ain't a love song' single)

Give them a listen and see if they help lift your mood! If you have some suggestions, yourself, then why not leave them in a comment below!

Music Playlist at MixPod.com