Friday Favourites

It's that time of the week again. Oh yes, it's Friday Favourites!

 

This week, I've been in a surprisingly contemplative mood. Don't worry folks, there's no need to start worrying for me just yet! I feel as if the best music tends to be written when a songwriter or artist is at this stage with their emotions. I don't think I'll personally be going back to my roots and picking up my song writing pen any time soon, but I have listened to some solidly emotive tracks this week.

 

1. London Grammar-.Strong

I didn't take any notice of London Grammar until I saw an advert for their debut studio album titled If You Wait, on the TV a few weeks ago. Yes, those music ads on the television really do work at enticing new fans and sales! Since then, I've developed quite an attachment to this song. The track's almost "haunting" qualities engage the listener and also assure the listener into a sense of security.

 

 

 

 

 

2.Haim- Running If You Call My Name

This has been on repeat ever since the album release date. Running If You Call My Name is the last track on the standard album and truly ends it on a high. It leaves you wanting to listen to the whole album again and again. And that's exactly what I did.

 

 

 3. Keane- She Has No Time/Bedshaped

 

I knew that some classic Keane would make it into my favourites this week, but I didn't realise I would find it so difficult to choose between She Has No Time and Bedshaped, so I chose both! The songs are both from the band's debut, titled Hopes and Fears, which was released back in 2004 and has been one of my favourite albums ever since. So many people have told me that they listen to these tracks when they need some time to think. And I can wholeheartly understand why. Both have the unique ability to conjure up pure emotion in a blink of an eye. Keane completely deserve the success they have had to date. You need to see them perform live if you ever get the opportunity; they are outstanding. Talking of seeing them live; Keane are streaming their Berlin concert on November 6 live at cinemas across the world, so there's no excuse to hold back.

 

I've also been listening to a lot of The Milk Carton Kids and Haim, but that's probably not a surprise to any of you! If you're looking for something a little different to listen to this week, I'm loving John Newman. His newly released album, Tribute, is seriously good stuff.

That's it for this week! Stay tuned for my thoughts on Arcade Fire's new album in the coming weeks!
 

Friday Favourites

Oh yes. Favourites written the UK way!

 

Now back to the music:

 

Every week, I am going to attempt the mighty task of picking three of my most favourite and most listened to songs from the week to share with you. There are no genre rules or age restrictions. Anything goes. Even the cheesy pop wonders from the UK charts in the 90's might make a sneaky comeback. And I might even mention some of my all-time favourite hymns too.

 

 

1. Elbow- The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver

 

To start off the series, I've chosen to stay true to my roots and choose one of my new favourite British bands. Elbow have been on the music scene for years and have truly made a name for themselves in the live-music world. Although Elbow have been making quality music for many years, I have to admit that it took one of my American friends countless hours of persuasion to get me to listen to more than just Grounds For Divorce. I now realise that I should have listened to him a lot sooner. This certain American's power of persuasion worked in more ways than one, and after receiving Elbow's incredible album, The Seldom Seen Kid, as a birthday present, it only took me one full listen to get me hooked. The album has a mix of extremely thought-provoking songs which conjure up a wide range of thoughts and emotions. One of these songs happens to be The Loneliness of a Tower Crane Driver. So good. The "lulling" quality at the beginning of the song sets the scene perfectly for the opening lyrics and really carries the piece throughout the different stages of the song.

 

 

2. Fleetwood Mac- Dreams

 

This is an absolutely obvious choice for me. A bit too obvious now that I think about it. But I cannot help it, this song is beautifully written. This song instantly puts me at ease, which is surprising due to the song's subject matter. I'm a sucker for a good intro, and this one hits the spot; simple and completely effective. Stevie Nicks makes songwriting seems like a piece of cake and I really wish it was! It probably doesn't help that I'm listening to their Greatest Hits album as I write this as I'm now deeply regretting the fact that I missed out on tickets to their now sold out UK tour dates which were released last month. I also love the cover version of the song by the Irish pop/folk band, The Corrs, which was released back in 1998.

 

 

3. Misty Miller- You Know What I Mean

 

I was a fan of her previous releases, but when I heard her latest EP, Girlfriend, I realised she had taken a big step forward with her musical choices and writing style. I love the nod to rock influences of bygone days throughout  You Know What I Mean. The entire EP is definitely worth listening to if you want a faultless mix of songs which seem to sum up Misty's strong sense of new musical direction. Girlfriend also has a great vibe attached to it, which sets Misty Miller up nicely for lots of continued future success.

I hope you enjoyed the first Friday Favourites! Let me know what you think of the songs and artists mentioned above. I'd love to hear your Friday Favourites of the week too!