A Music Year In Review - 2013

Happy 2014!

 

That's right folks, we have successfully made it through the past 12 months of music and can start gearing ourselves up for what could be the best year of music to date. But in the mean time, let's cast our minds back to some of the music highlights of the last year:

 

Haim

 

Anyone who has ever met me in person understands how much I love these edgy sisters from Los Angeles. Their impressive debut album, Days Are Gone, went straight to #1 in the UK charts during the last few months of 2013  and their popularity has rapidly grown, leading to sold out UK shows all across the country. It was refreshing to see them perform on Jools Holland's Annual Hootenanny on New Years Eve on BBC2, with Don't Save Me, Forever, and Oh Well, and most definitely helped to give the programme that great universal appeal that you expect to see from a Jools Holland music show. I expect to hear a lot more musical greatness from the band over the next year. Just you wait!

 

Lily Allen

 

The UK department store, John Lewis, knew they were on to a winner when they came up with their 2013 animated Christmas advert. And the bigger winner happened to be Lily Allen's immaculate cover of the Keane classic, Somewhere Only We Know, which also went in at #1 close to the end of the year. Allen's rendition of the song matched the tone and atmosphere of the advert perfectly and catapulted Allen back into the forefront of the industry once more.

 

 

 

Some of the other music highlights of the past year have got to be Tom Odell being the first male to win the Critics Choice Award at The Brit Awards 2013, Bastille releasing their first studio album, Bad Blood, back in March, London Grammar's incredible single, Strong, The Killers performing at Wembley Stadium in June, and The Milk Carton Kids in all their live performance glory.

 

This year already looks like the one to beat, with the likes of Taylor Swift, The Backstreet Boys and Elbow touring the UK in the coming months. Oh, and for all of you #DA2014 fans out there, be prepared for the ultimate music comeback of the year from the incredible David Archuleta.

 

It's going to be a sensational year of music. Now it's time to get listening!

 

 

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!
 

Music Review: The Milk Carton Kids

It's official. I have a new music obsession:

The Milk Carton Kids

The Californian folk duo have stolen my heart with their brooding melodies, intelligent lyrics and effortless charm. The duo instantly became a favourite of mine when a friend mentioned them back in July. Hours later, and after swift iTunes purchases of all three of their albums; Retrospect, Prologue and The Ash & Clay, I was sold.

A few weeks after I first heard about them, I felt as if I had struck gold when I found out they were playing at Union Chapel in London just weeks later. That show happened last month. It's safe to say that I've been to quite a few shows over the last few years, but Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattengale have somehow managed to take the spot of My Favourite Concert to date. There was something so ethereal about them playing their music at Union Chapel, a working church, surrounded by the stained glass windows and candle light. I could have sat there in the pews listening for hours.

If you've never listened to the guys before, here's a few recommendations to get you started:

Michigan: This track, taken from their incredible second album titled Prologue, is one of their classics. The memorable lyrics and lulling melody instantly stops you in your tracks and encourages you to think. My best friend, who only found out about the duo when I 'dragged' her along to their gig last month, is obsessed with this song. For someone who's a brand new fan, The Milk Carton Kids have made a perfect first impression on her. Needless to say, this song is on repeat for both of us!

Honey, Honey: Another classic. This will get your feet tapping to no end. All of their songs bring out the best in their voices, but if you listen closely, some great vocal qualities cane be heard  throughout the course of the song.  

Charlie: One word. Beautiful. This song is taken from their album, Retrospect, which was released under their first names and last names before they were officially The Milk Carton Kids.

Now, I don't think there's anything left to say apart from, Give Them a Listen!