protectors EP review -The stem and the leaf

Protectors EP

The stem and

The leaf

Review.

This is a fantastic and glorious instalment from Protectors. This EP screams nothing but northern indie rock, wanting to break out and impose on peoples lives. Opening track “overtime” is new, fresh and upbeat. Newly re-mastered “Honeymoon?” brings it down a notch or two, slowing the pace but keeping that foot tappingly good beat going strong. “Carousel” brings you back up and into the Protectors world. Creating undeniably fantastic bass beat, gelled together with melodic, but powerful guitar parts. Finally on this rollercoaster of music is “shake the moves”, a perfect end for a glorious EP that will certainly stick with you for a while.     

Lisa Marie Glover - Album Review

Lisa Marie Glover

Einzelkind

Album review.

This latest offering from Lisa Marie Glover is nothing short of glorious. It is not often you get an all in one package with an artist, but Lisa is certainly an exception. This is the first time I have heard Lisa sing, and it is outstanding; her voice is beautiful, soulful, and melodic. She is able to take you up high but then softly sweep you back to ground.

Einzelkind (German for only child) takes you on a dreamy journey, mixed with a few tales of life in general day to day life. “The first place” is a perfect, melodic song to set you off on this dreamy, mystical journey. With a crisp acoustic guitar to accompany her sweet voice, you only think can this get better. The answer is yes. Further on “Mad Mary” brings the pace faster, creating you to start a foot tap to the jazz drum beat that is going on.

Closing with “wasting time” a perfectly blended song with a wide array of acoustic instruments, which is keeping in with the overall theme of album, Lisa Marie Glover certainly has a talent and a craft. She is able to keep the listener entranced in the music, while listening to her glorious play on words.    

A band that has inluenced me

Hey readers,

hope you are all doing well. this article is a rather personal one, but one that has made me who I am today. It is amazing how music can influence events in your life. I hope you enjoy reading this.

The artist that

Has influenced me the

Most.

How much of a cliché is it, when you say music has been in my life since I can remember?  It is a huge one, but one that is so true to many music fans, I included in this statement. My dad is a massive music fan, and it is him that I have to thank for my music taste, and one of the most influential artists I have come across. My mum played her part with the Motown and northern soul. Even my beloved Nan and Granddad were exposing me to the music from their era whenever they looked after me, from Nat King Cole, Andrea Bocelli, to ol' blue eyes himself Frank Sinatra. So it was no surprise that I picked up the music bug really.      

My most vivid memory from childhood, is waking up on a Sunday morning to the sound of my dad singing (badly – don't ever ask for him to sing China girl) whilst doing the general things round the house, and getting our Sunday roast ready. He would sing anything from Bowie, The Smiths and Pink Floyd. As the years went by his singing never improved but the bands did. Waking up to China girl was now waking up to 'What took you so long' by The Courteeners and with a hangover this was not a good combination.

Although these bands changed from week to week one always remained there and that was Pink Floyd. Now when I was developing my own music taste I never understood the true meaning of Pink Floyd and why my dad even loved them as much as he did. The comments came such as “they are a classic”, “they have amazing songs”, “the lyrics are so powerful” and “the guitar playing is beyond anything else out there that you are listening to”. Probably at this point I was going through my girly boy band stage (this lasted a year) but I still could not understand what the fuss was about them. So I just trudged along listing to Nirvana, Suede, Manic Street Preachers and such not.

That was until something quite prolific was about to happen in my life. It is amazing how things change when a situation arises. You see things differently and you certainly listen to music differently, you try to get where the writer is and feel how they are feeling. This something has shaped me to be who I am today. My Nan was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. This woman had been in my life from the beginning and now she was not going to be there. She had always taught me to be who I wanted to be, was only round the corner from where I lived, and one huge influence on my life. So coming to terms with not having her was something I could not get my head round, but the world still keeps going even though you are going through something so big and hurtful. It is only here I that realise the power that Pink Floyd actually has, and why my dad loved them so much. It was in the final stages of my Nan's illness that I picked up on it. I had come back from seeing her in the hospice and dad was doing whatever he was doing round the house, and it was playing. The song that would change me and the way that I listened and thought about music. That song was 'comfortably numb' by Pink Floyd.

This whole song summed up everything that I was feeling, and how my Nan was in those final stages of the illness. If you have ever seen or been through watching someone battle cancer, then you will understand this song and how it relates to everything you and the person going through it is feeling. “There is no pain you are receding, a distant ship smoke on the horizon, you are only coming through in waves, your lips move but I can't hear what you are saying”. This particular lyric will be forever with and will always make me think of my Nan. She was comfortably numb towards the end.

So from this horrible loss, I gained a new band, not much of a consolation, but was something that she gave to me before she went. From this I delved further and further into Pink Floyd much to my father gloating and saying the obligatory “I told you so”. But I didn't care I just wanted to hear more of this band. I was hooked from then on and have been ever since. If I am ever caught off guard and hear 'Comfortably numb', then it does bring a tear to my eye, of course it will, that event was a life changing one. One of my other favourite Floyd songs is the early one 'See Emily play', which ironically enough was penned in my current college, where I study journalism. Another is of course 'Shine on you crazy diamond’ all 7 parts I might add. You can not listen to it in a single part. I often listen to that on my bus journey home from work. Listening to each chord played, each bass line and all the other effects going on in the back ground.

Pink Floyd is classic bands, who have stood the test of time. I only wish that I had listened to my dad sooner and took advantage from an earlier age. But it is these things that make us who we are, and I doubt that if things had not of happened they way they have, I wouldn't be concentrating on my career as a music journalist. I do know one thing for sure that I will be introducing my children (when I have them) to the music of Pink Floyd and any others I feel they need to know about. Although I won't torture them with my dads singing.

Young Aviators - live review

Young aviators @ The Library, Leeds

13 November 2011

After two successful support slots with The Subways, it was time that 3 of Irelands finest took to the road for themselves. Touring all over this fine country of ours, they came back Leeds to give us a show that was even better than the first one at the Brudenell. A hard show to live up to, If you were there then you would know, if you wasn’t you missed one hell of a show.  

Storming onto the stage, and into a powerful opener, these guys were ready to make us get our monies worth (£4 on door and the first song gave me my monies worth). The Gaelic wit was out in full force, and not a moment went buy that these guys weren’t giving out the banter. Or selling their newly released CD, to which they laid the guilt trip on the crowd “if you don’t buy this then we can’t eat!” (Needless to say they sold some so could eat, and not wither away.)

The beautifully sung “the question is” kept the crowds eyes and ears enticed onto what was happening right in front of them. “Rabbit in the headlights” was the highlight of evening. Perfectly formed you could not ask for anything more out of these guys. They keep you on your toes and make you move them hips like you are at a Zumba class. “Better future” is a fanatically formed song that that has the potential to be turned into an anthem. An outstanding performance and people should catch them around at some point next year when they come back

Volcanoes - Vexihomp review

Hello people, it has been a while, but here is a little review of a band i am pretty excited about.

Volcanoes

Vexihomp ‘Mini’ LP review

Time and time again bands come out with records, where all the songs sound the same. So it was a refreshing surprise to my ear drums, when Vexihomp came into my possession. Volcanoes have come up with something interesting to actually listen to, in a music industry that is bland and boring.

The pageant is a nice little opener that is quirky, bouncy and not to mention bloody catchy. I could go on to explain that they sound like this band or that band. But I am not going to do that. Why? Because this band is special they are something to shout about. The pageant is one of them songs that as soon as you hear the opening chords you know instantly who they are and what song it is. How many bands nowadays can do that?

Triceratops picks up where the last left off, a different sound that will make you move to the beat. Vocals have changed on this track compared to the others but still sound so powerfully sweet. They dirty distorted guitar riffs and heavy bass go hand in hand to make this track perfectly formed.

Lyrically this band are funky and from the heart. You feel what they want you to feel. This combined with sounds so unique, will make you want to delve into the world of the Volcanoes further, to see what they have to offer. What they do offer you is fun music you will want to hear again and again.

Rochelle Massey

A live gig review of Two Skies

hey there,

here is small gig review of a band called two skies.

Two skies

Northern monkey

07-08-2011

In an overlooked music venue, Two skies step into the corner, to take the centre stage at this free music night. Overhearing that one of the punters had stumbled upon this South Yorkshire gem on a website and couldn’t get the “heavy grooves” out of his head brings me to think is psychedelic rock coming back for an uprising?

This tightly formed 3 piece, gracefully start playing, giving the audience powerful psychedelic beats and melodies that would get the grooves of the 60’s and 70’s going again. Combine this with the heavy and fast paced drumming; you have a recipe for an amazing live band, which will go on to bigger things. But for now they are in this small intermit surroundings.

“Levitate” Dan Cutts voice is so unique, that it gives tingles down your spine, when he sings. His lyrics are so real that you can see his story as he sings them and the journeys that he has been on. “Automatic stride” is dark, powerful and sublimely amazing. With its small and dark verses which then lead onto loud and big chorus’s this song only leaves you wanting more. “Dear sun” is again dark but sweet at the same time, making you want to close you eyes and go on this mystical journey that the melodies seem to take you to.

As the set goes on you here each of the band member’s influences run strong, as they play there part in this special evening. Word of advice, see this band.

Album review of Leeds/Wakefield band Protectors

Hey there,

another review, but this band are something special. So if you ever get a chance to see them you should.

Can’t shake the moves

Protectors album review.

If you like catchy, bouncy, indie rock, which makes your foot and head tap in agreement then you will love this latest offering from Protectors.

“One giant step” launches you into this glorious album. It does not fail to lead you in head first, craving how they are going to let this album progress. “Catwalk” progresses fast with heavy drums and bass, but with sweet succulent vocals to soften. Further on and “Still here” is an example of indie rock with a little glitter hint of punk. The contrast of between the gruff vocals and the sweet melodic makes this track stands out from all the rest. It is a slightly different sound to remainder of the album, but possibly one of the best.

With other instruments such as a trumpet featuring on some of the tracks you can hear that this wonderful band is trying not to make the tracks sound samey. They want to give the listener something different and they certainly have done this. Nothing screams imitation from these guys.

So in this short and sweet album you have a band that is certainly on the up. A perfectly formed 3 piece of indie rock that will certainly be going places, if they keep pulling things out of the bag like this definitely worth a listen.

A live review of the band Human Fly

hey there people,

 this is a review that was done some time ago but has now been printed so going to share it with you all. enjoy.

Tucked away in the upstairs room of the Cardigan arms, which looked like a crack den, the anticipation of the pending gig from the sublimely amazing Human-fly is rife. The people here are waiting for something more from the support bands that have already graced this makeshift stage.

 That something more comes in the form of Human-fly. When these guys come on stage the atmosphere in this tiny room is electric. Cheers from the crowd ensue and leads them into their first song. This brings huge happiness to a crowd that seemed to have wanted this band from the start. Known as the “finest forgers of Riffs” by one spectator in the crowd is ever so apparent from the next song to follow “This is where your parents fucked” brings huge riff’s with a cool and uplifting in your face hostility, but with also a nice and subtle texture of melodies that run through.

 The band storm through their set list ripping up the stage song after song, feeding this sweaty crowd more ammo with each and every song. Nothing else could have been asked of by this band they were ever so tight, flawless even. They gave everything that they could and them some. With powerful and energetic riffs like this it is no wonder that they can please a home crowd like the Cardigan Arms. 

 As the night progresses this amazingly tight formed band, take you on a mystical journey of rock and ambient sounds, with epically outstanding riffs that encourage you to rock your little heart out.   

what makes a good venue?

What actually

Makes a great venue?

I have been round the country to see all my favourite bands, been to all different venues. Followed bands to a big gig in a park or somewhere that means a lot to them, but in this day and age we seem to be getting more and more obscure places. Kasabian recently played a gig on a plane. Now for anyone that has seen them play live, Tom likes his space to move around, a modern Mick Jagger if that’s how we are to describe his front man technique. These types of gigs are becoming more common than the stereotypical gig in a arena or other venue.

Every city has an iconic venue, or somewhere that was an iconic venue. But what actually makes it iconic? Is it that they played their most successful gig there? Was it their first ever gig? Or is it that the venue has played host to a number of great bands. My opinion it is a mix of all three, and more. Gigs, bands and venues get around through word of mouth. How many times have you been informed, that the band in the cockpit last night ripped it up? Or any other place in Leeds for that matter. It’s a good conversation who played well. Leeds has many of these venues, such as, Brudenell social club, O2 academy (formally the old town and country club) and the Well. Yes we have many more places but that could go on forever, couldn’t it. We have these just like Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and London have theirs. All with their own history and own iconic moments that have been cemented, in the bands history, the cities, and of course the venues.

Recently though we have seen an uprising in ‘different’ gigs. The Libertines are prime examples of this. They used to organise a gig form their flat or some other obscure place, and then let the world know, via the internet with only a few hours before the performance. All of these gigs have cemented the flat they shared (known as the Albion rooms) music history. So is it fair to call it an iconic venue? Yes and no really. Yes these gigs were something special, but they were done in a flat. Not a conventional venue to say the least, but it has brought fans across the country to see where these, monument-us gigs actually happened.

Not all gigs have to be obscure. Many bands and artists hold gigs and events at places, which are held deer to them. Kaiser chiefs held a gig at

Elland Road

, this being the home of their beloved football team Leeds United. This gig was a sell out and huge event to happen on the ground. Not the first time that it has held such events. It has hosted Queen, U2 and more recently Rod Stewart. Yes, it maybe not obscure but it is still unconventional as saying, we are going to play Manchester MEN arena. Kaiser Chiefs wanted to give Leeds and their football club something they could be proud of and also make it in history that they played there.

Knebworth is another example of something that is not obscure, but is certainly iconic now. On the 10^th August 1996 Oasis held a record breaking event in the park. 165,000 people each day flocked to the ground to hear their idols. This is still the highest amount of people to attend a concert at the venue. No it’s not obscure; Oasis could just play a number of arena tours to achieve those figures of people. But they wanted to something out of the so called ‘norm’. Don’t forget that these guys had not been around for decades, but only a few years, before they played to this size of a crowd. This then powered them further on in their careers, and made Knebworth more of an iconic venue that it had already been. Robbie Williams tried to compete with but managed 125,000 over two days, again making this a place for aspiring artists to play.

Forests have become a few bands recent, places to play. I think it’s the thought of playing somewhere that nobody else has, and being more creative than just within their music. The randomness of the venue creates excitement for both the band and the people that are going to attend. It’s the excitement of not knowing what is actually going to happen. The crowd are probably wary thinking, what the hell is going on. It is all good fun in general really. Sticking to what you know can be boring. It is about time that things became unconventional. Gigs need a shake up, it’s not all about getting to the front of a normal music venue; it’s about connecting to that band, and embracing the gift they are trying to give you. If you do ever get a chance of going to one of these weird gigs concerts, then fully take it up, break out of the norm and experience something new. It is knowledge and stories that you are able to pass down to the younger people as you get older. This way the younger ones can they draw their own ideas about where, they want to play, and start their own set of rules.

The Sound of the Future - Young Aviators

Hey there people,

what is to come is an amazing interview, with a band that are certainly something special please check them out.

Young Aviators

A band to who are

Going places.

Songs that are inspired by everyday life, and founded by a group of Irishman, who wanted to do something that was on the right side of the law, and wanting to increase their chances of “getting girls”, the Young Aviators are certainly ones to watch.

With an energy so raw and powerful that will, take over a room within an instant, requiring you to dance erratically like a teenager again, it is hard to see these guys not going places. If you like fast guitars, a bass beat that will get you bouncing and mesmerised and drum beats that will pierce your ears, then you need to have a listen. “Rabbit in a headlight” captures you from the opening

These guys grew up in Ireland, and have since moved to Scotland to further their music career, and show the Scots their witty banter. They previously have toured with the Subways then, a headline slot at the Captain’s rest in Glasgow. They are now returning to stampede venues across the nation, and gain more followers. If you only ever get one opportunity to see this band then do it they create fantastic funking anthems, which will certainly not disappoint. Below are a few words from the guys themselves.

1) Firstly how did you guys get together to form a band?
We started the band back when we were spotty, angst ridden teenagers. Growing up in a small Irish town meant that there wasn’t a whole lot for teenagers to do that wasn’t illegal, so music seemed like a healthy way to spend your time, which may also increase your chance of getting girls. We were roughly around 13 when we started jamming together in the basement of a local church.
 
2) What made you go from Ireland to Scotland?Primarily, University really. We took a year out to go on tour and concentrate on becoming a better band after our A-Levels, and after that was finished we all thought it would be a shame to split the band up, so we decided to go to Glasgow Uni together (also the only Uni that all three of us were excepted into). Plus, Scotland (much like Leeds) is good banter.
 
3) Markey, you have landed a part in a film. How did that come about?I did some things that I’m not particularly proud of to obtain that role. The film is called World War Z, starring Brad Pitt…and myself. Look out for the awkward bearded guy being chased by Zombies across the streets of Philadelphia wearing a suit and walking like John Wayne.

4) You recently toured with The Subways, and are now featuring on their up and coming tour. How did you find the last tour?The last tour was amazing! It was our first proper U.K tour and we felt like it was a success!! Obviously, no one knows who we are and we don’t have any singles out, so it was a real challenge to try and get people on your side in what was usually a 30minute set. 
 
5) For the people who have not heard of your music can you explain the style and what they would expect if they came to see you? Mmmh, the dreaded question. I would like to think they’d expect to be impressed on some level, even if they weren’t a fan of our genre. We’re upbeat, with plenty of harmonies, quite heavy at times and quiet at others…I guess they’d have to come and see us to make up their minds.

6) Who are your main influences that have given you the passion to be where you guys want to be? We all have varying influences, and our shared influences have obviously changed over the years. I’d say quality modern three-piece groups have always inspired us, bands with three members, who are louder and more impressive than bands with 5 or 6 members. Bands like Muse, The Subways, Green Day, BRMC& The Vines (when they were a three-piece), The Jam Etc…
 

7) Dead or alive who would you put into your super group?Awesome question!!! Right, on drums it has to be (drum roll please) Dave Grohl. On bass Guitar Chris Wolstenholme from Muse. On guitar, Paul Weller, and on vocals Freddy Mercury. What a band that would be.

8) What gives you the creative inspiration to make music?A hard question to answer without sounding pretentious. Everyday life is usually the inspiration, though most of our songs at the moment ‘False Education’, ‘Life in the Front Seat’ etc, are about being a young person in the 21st century, how things are all messed up and fast moving and jobless.
 
9) Can we have 3 facts on each of you so that new fans know a little about you?
Decky: I never travel in lifts by myself. I was born in Manchester. I really love Football.
Markey: I have a webbed finger. I have been a nude model and worked in the Disney Store. I’m a grade 8 tuba player.
Kyle: I am a male model. I only wear y-fronts. I’m terrified of commitment.
 
10) What has been the best gig you have played so far?
We played a gig at the Brudenell Social Club in Leeds supporting The Subways this summer, which was a great show!! The crowd was awesome and at points it almost felt like a home town show.
 
11) You combine a bit of audience comedy banter when you play live, is this something that happens natural or is it something you make a point of doing?
We certainly don’t make a point of doing it, that would be detrimental to the purity of the banter. It arose originally though nerves in-between songs, we like it when crowds heckle us, its their way of getting involved and from growing up in Ireland we’re more than capable of giving it back. It makes the gig more honest and less pretentious, which is something we like.

12) What have the next few months have got in store for the Young Aviators?
We are hopefully going back out on tour this October, also doing some recording, writing new material and playing a host of Glasgow shows. Keeping busy, and trying to stay sober.
 

the average shelf life of a CD

Hi people,

recently I have been thinking baout the average shelf life a CD has in this soceity. As you read it you will gather that I do love my CDs ad hope that one day they will pick up on popularity again.

The average shelf life

Of a CD.

I don’t know about you, but I love nothing more than taking a trip down to HMV and browsing through the CD’s that are on offer. Also I will also take a stroll to crash and Jumbo records to see if anything takes my fancy there. But with the announcements that HMV are struggling, and that they are closing down a number of stores. It is hard to believe that this wonderful product may soon be gone, and replaced with the digital format.

Now I may be living in the past, but I love having the hard copy of an album, that the artists have put effort into making. It just feels lazy that we now, live in a society that lives on the digital copy of an album. It’s not only the digital versions that are putting the CDs out of business, it’s the illegal downloads. Recent research has shown that illegal downloads has dropped, but is this because now you have the video converters, rather than using the dedicated sites such as, bear share, pirate bay and lime-wire. It’s a scary thought to think that CDs could be no more in a few years because of this new digital society.

CDs overtook records, but CDs also survived the mini-disk (remember them) but it does not look like they will be able to survive this generation. We will still use them for making our own albums, and even to burn our digital version of the album we have just bought onto. But the age of record stores is slowly dieing. This is now why we have such days as national record store days. This is not for the huge companies, but for the small independent record stores, who rely on people to but the real thing from them.

The smaller bands, which have yet to score a record deal, will use this digital format, to save money and be able to get the music out to, record companies, magazines and bloggers. So in this instance this it is a good idea to move on from CDs, it allows bands with a low expenditure to broaden the horizons and allow music to be heard. On this level I do think that the digital way of life is a huge improvement, but I am still for the CDs. To me I think that it is just that feeling of being able to hold it and realise how much effort the artist has gone into making it, right down to the artwork.

So I am both for and against digital copies of music but my heart does, and will always lie with CDs. There is just something about them that, makes me happy. Being able to put them in order (yes I know a little OCD but it makes it easier to find them). The actual act of being able to go out and buy them knowing you are supporting what they have done. I think I will always be pro CDs, and I am not looking forward to the day that they, are to be no more. I think it will be a crying shame, and the generations after me, will have seriously missed out.  

Muse and playing that album

Were Muse right

To take the risk?

It was a risk to take, but were Bellamy and co right in taking it. Their headline slot at Leeds and Reading festivals was theirs for the taking it, but half the time was playing Origins of Symmetry in its entirety. Was this a good move or not?  Some people feel that this was a waste of a slot, that some of the people who attend the festival may not be sure on Muse to start with, so playing the album there in full was a way of alienating people from a show that could have turned their opinions of the band. But, on the other hand they were celebrating 10 years since the release of the album, so why shouldn’t they have done it in style.

It is a widely known fact that Muse are marmite you love them or hate them. There is no in between for this band. So obviously when it was heard what they had planned for their own set, people were very quick to shout out there opinions. I can understand fully with people who only wanted a mixed set, and not something that not everyone is going to no. But on the opposing side you can understand the people who wanted this album to be played. Origins of Symmetry is one of the timeless albums you should have in you CD collection. So to the fans it was only right that it should be played.

Whatever your opinion was on the matter the real question is, did they manage to pull it off? As I was at Leeds festival, I thought the set was pretty good. But you could sense that the atmosphere was not at its best whilst the album was played in full. This album is what their first album should have been and where best to do it, than at Reading and Leeds. The atmosphere was definitely dull, and could tell that the fans were mainly ones that have jumped onto the bandwagon, from the previous two albums. Yes they may have known the hits such as “Plug in baby” and “Feeling Good”, yes these songs were amazing. Bellamy powering though the riffs like a jack-hammer to concrete, but the rest of the album will have gone unappreciated by them. The little atmosphere that was there was indeed from the fans that realised and appreciated one of the best albums of all time being played.

This being said the set was still out standing. They still managed to make the show one to remember, even if you were one of the entry-level fans who didn’t know many songs, they can still play to a crowd and wow them. So the playing “Origins of Symmetry” was not a crowd pleaser and was not an entire success, it was a risk why shouldn’t they take them. The greatest hits part of the show allowed them to win the new fans back. “Uprising” was first to be heard and met with cheers, bouncing and singing along. This part of the set was a safety net knowing they would get all the adulation that they knew and deserved.

Overall the set was everything that Muse is and that is Marmite. I loved it and thought it was a risk worth taking. I enjoyed hearing the album played live, just as much as I heard all the hits being played live too. Muse will always be up there for me in the live stakes.

Leeds fest 2011 a short review

hello people,

I have now recovered from Leeds festival and felt the need to allow you guys into who made it for me.

Another year has gone by, I have now just recovered from Leeds scraped off the 4 inches of mud and put them away for next year (well until winter hits us again). What a festival it was, the only weather we did not experience was snow. We had glorious sun (yes my fair skin got burnt now I have a wonderful tan); we had horrendous rain, which turned the mud into the best workout you could get. Then finally on the Sunday when most of the mud had gone we had wind that would take you off your feet. Both me and my friend were one of the loyal Leeds festival goers that stuck it out for the whole weekend. Yes we may have complained and moaned like it was the end of the world but these aspects only make the experience a better one.

One of the first epic moments of this festival was The Streets. This was epic for a number of reasons, for one it was going to be first and last ever time that I would see them, because they were going to be no more in a few months time. Whilst waiting in the tent you could sense the atmosphere was electric. Mike Skinner was on form that night delivering the goods to each dedicated fan that had crushed into that tent. Storming through his classic hits of blinded by the lights, don’t mug yourself and of course you’re fit but you know it. All this gelled with Leo the lion brought together a fantastic show. Sweat, beer thrown and aching legs from dancing, and to top it off Skinner managed to get the biggest circle pit of the festival going.

As Muse had not made any secret of the fact that they were doing to play, Origins of Symmetry in its entirety, I was looking forward to it the most. I have always said that Muse of the marmite of the music world, but I still love them. Origins of symmetry was out of this world and proved that the album has stood the test over 10 years and is just as amazing on the first listen as it was live. Once the once in a lifetime opportunity had been finished, they then launched into the hits. “Stockholm Syndrome” was a pinnacle moment of the festival for me, as whenever I do hear that son, I get Goosebumps all over. Bellamy and the boys did not give us festival goers a disappointing show, they blew it away. Although I must say that a festival show is never the same as a personal one.

So after trekking through all the mud and earning quads like a body builder the first day was out of this world. Yes we did see other people but I could go on for days, how awesome they all were, or how crap they were, and even how they shouldn’t have made it to a main stage. But that would mean about 100 pages that nobody would actually ever read. One thing that I was disappointed in was the fact that I actually didn’t get to see anyone on the BBC introducing stage. This was through no fault of my own I might add. This was because of all the clashes that were happening on other stages. It is a very hard decision for a music fan to decide who to see over another band.

So Saturday comes legs are hurting and only just adjusting to sleeping in a tent, but all the people to see are in the radio one tent (result). As I have been making people aware Miles Kane’s debut album I was looking forward to this performance. He stormed through his set with the adulation from all the fans that tent. Sometimes with albums, you can love listening to them over and over again, but when it comes to the live version, it can be a let down. Not with this one, if anything it brought the album to life even more, with the dark tones that run through and Miles managing, to get his unique 60’s psychedelic riffs to become more powerful and reachable.

Mona was a band I was bit dubious about, this was mainly because the album is good and I would recommend it, but wasn’t sure how it would come across live. Now they were good but nothing I would shout about like previous bands I have seen. They seemed to lack enthusiasm on the stage and the songs sounded just like the album. Festivals are all about giving your current fans a good show but also making new fans too. Mona are probably amazing in there own space and show but I feel a smaller tent may have done them a little bit more justice.

Now if you are into your music, you will know that The Vaccines are one of 2011’s most talked about bands. They have only been together for a year and have earned so much. So I was really looking forward to this having read all other reviews, only one thing was stopping me, and this was that Justin the singer’s voice was under strain. They had already pulled out of shows and looked like they will be doing so for more shows. But given that his voice was bad he powered through giving the fans a show that would not be dampened by a broken voice. A packed out tent and a band perfectly formed and sounding like they had been doing this for years is something that you don’t often see or hear.

Beady Eye the headliner of Saturday was again something that I was a bit dubious about, but was something that I though I needed to see. Were they going to be just oasis but with 2 new band members? The answer to this was sort of. Noel was always the leader in oasis deciding what they were to sound like, where as Beady Eye was Liam’s baby. Sounding how he wanted, a much darker take on oasis but still a pretty good show. Maybe he is just more than a one trick pony, but will probably still take a bit more to get into them. Liam is and will always be a front man, and with him in a band there will always be a following.

2 bands that were a must see on the Sunday were Madness and Pulp. Along with all the other bands in the other tents these two were pinnacle for the final day. I grew up with Madness with my dad, and have always been told they are amazing live you need to see them. So here was my opportunity to. One step beyond was the opener and was only a start to an amazing show to come. Suggs and gang bringing the sound of ska to young followers, making them dance and bounce along with even a sing song, to accompany it. Perfect for a windy Sunday afternoon with a pint in hand.

Now all through the 90’s you were either Blur or Oasis, but people often forget about Pulp. Pulp is the posh version of both those bands, with lyrics that are as funny as Morrissey’s, even just as cynical. Jarvis has never been the most normal of front men but he gives the crowd a good show. It is windy and cold but he is leading you on a journey of a date as he wants to call it. Blasting out classics such as, Pencil Skirt, Disco 2000 and not to forget Common people. The band as tight as they were back in the day and Jarvis just if not more, eccentric as he used to be. This band were definitely a good choice to end this festival, he left us all on high craving and wanting more.       

These are only some of the bands that saw, I did see many more but would take forever to write about them. Also I was not there to review I was there to be festival goer and enjoy my yearly experience.

The Music's Last Dance

Hello everyone,

on Saturday the 6th August 2011, I happened to experienece on of the best gigs I have ever been to and this will be saved in memory forever. below is a review of the gig.

The Music’s

Last dance.

6^th August 2011 is day that the O2 academy in Leeds will never forget. This is the day that The Music ended their career after just over a decade of being together. So how could a sad day be as epic and as mind blowing as it was?

Well for a start the crowd were certainly up for it, gearing up to give a band that have given them so much in the past back and to five them the farewell that they deserve. Rob Harvey and the gang stormed on stage to a sell out crowd that were ready to dance. Getting straight into it without a second to spare, the band were as intertwined as they have ever been.

Next they went into “take the long road and walk it” perfectly formed and Harvey at his vocally best, the crowd went crazy and singing along like troupers, not letting the fact that this would be the last time they would see them perform this song live put them off. The band rave through all the amazing and delightful songs, they have given to their fans, with crowd pleasers such as “Drugs, Freedom fighters and Bleed from within” the band don’t fail in giving the crowd something to remember.

“The Spike” is dedicated to all the people behind the scenes that have allowed this band to progress and become what they have, and that is one of the best and finest Leeds’s bands to come around in a very long time.

The final and fitting song is one that is personnel to the band itself. With Harvey dedicating it to the fans saying “you are the people and this is for you, Thank you for fucking everything, without you, the people, we would not here.” The crowd goes wild, but there is an air of sadness that this is in fact the last dance. The band, the fans give it their all, giving them the send off they deserve and partying and dancing like they will never do again, because in fact they won’t.

Once the song has ended, an emotional Rob, and co all say thank you to the crowd. While the crowd still cheering away clearly wanting more, they all embrace each other with a hug. You could sense from the filthy warm crowd that they were emotional, and also somewhat grateful for the audience and reception that they have received, not only from this final gig but from there entire fan base throughout the years.

The atmosphere of the venue was scarily electrifying. Everyone was up for this gig and people had certainly traveled to apart of the history that was being created at the academy with hearing accents from Manchester, Liverpool and even Newcastle. You could feel the vibes bouncing off the walls, the ceilings and off of each other whilst dancing and showing our appreciation to this magical and wonderful band. This is a band that makes you feel every beat and every melodic rhythm in your heart as it is being played. A band that makes people dance and move like they have never moved before with just the opening chords of a song. All of these atmospheric attributes all created what was a wonderfully flawless performance from the boys. They were spot on note for note and did not let slip once, with Harvey having one of the best formed voice’s that I have seen in a long while, and working the stage like the demons of Leeds that they are.

This is going to be a night that will never be forgotten. The music world has lost one of the great bands of our generation. A band that may have had its up’s and down but certainly came back from them, to astound the fans even further. Yes something else may come out, but it will never be what The Music was. That night we waved off a band that was silently huge and influential to so many people and other artists in the industry. So thank you The Music for giving us that one last dance and a night that will certainly never be forgotten to your people. I am certainly proud that I was there that fine evening, to witness the end as sad as it may have been, it was extraordinary. Viva The Music.

a Tribute to amy winehouse R.I.P

A fitting tribute to someone

Joining the 27 club.

This past weekend has been one of loss. The Norwegian massacre was a terrible disaster and my thoughts and condolences are with families. How help never got to them poor souls sooner is something that should really be looked into. Then came the news that one of the talented artists of our generation had died. Amy Winehouse died in her flat on 23^rd of July. Now I know this is not as much of a tragedy as the Norway massacre, it is still a tragedy in its own right. A family have lost a daughter, a friend has been lost, and a talent and credit to the music world has been lost.

Amy has had a tough time recently, and pretty much through her entire career. Her problems being showcased nationally by tabloid newspapers, highlighting her drink and drugs problems. Not once stopping and thinking, how this may affect her family. Ok so she did take a hell of a lot of drugs, and because of this did not use her talent wisely. People should be remembering her for what she used to be not what she ended up as.

Amy had such a talent that has not been seen in long while. Her soul voice and lyrical ability was appreciated all around the world, also known for her powerful contralto vocals. After 2 albums people were aware that they were onto something special, something that they were able to relate to while they were singing along. Amy was amazing at pouring her heart out onto paper, such a shame she wasn’t able to do this and help her through her problems. When she was at her best artists wanted to collaborate with her and make even more beautiful music. “Frank” Winehouse’ debut album was a credit to her in the healthy days before the drugs and record companies took hold.

She won 6 Grammy awards. A British female artist has never won that many, but Amy did. She defied all the critics and created music that was appreciated and that had meaning. Her second and final album “back to black” was an instant hit, with hits such as “love is a losing game”, “back to black”, and of course “rehab”. All of these songs are Amy’s cry for help, but with a catchy tune. This woman has inspired so many people to do what they love the most and the world or music is not going to be the same without her. 

As the whole world has established she had drug problems, but like I have established we should not be remembering her for this. Remember this woman as someone who defied the critics. Who made soul music that took you right back to the 50’s. forget the drugs forget the tool of an ex-husband who will no doubt start cashing in on the death of a woman who would of gone onto bigger things if she had of dealt with her demons.

The media have also been highlighting that Amy has joined what is known as the “27 club”. Now if you are not sure what this is then here is the answer. The 27 club is famous people who have died at the age of 27. It is generally used to show the amount of people in the music world that have died at 27. A few of these are Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison and now the wonderful Amy Winehouse. All of these people will be remembered fondly in the hearts and ears of music lovers around the world. It is just a shame that these people have had to go in to this to group. RIP Amy hope you can finally find happiness up there.     

Album artwork –

This entry was inspired whilst I was packing up mr precious CDs, but also from other people complaining about album artwork. Enjoy.

Album artwork –

What is all the fuss?

Here is question that I would to have answered. When have you ever bought an album based on the front? My answer based on my own opinion is never. Surely you buy your music based on the concept that you actually bloody like it, or is that just a stupid statement. Whenever a new album comes out from highly anticipated artist, there is always criticism about the album artwork. If that is something that you are concerned about then is it not the age old statement of do not judge a book by its cover?

There are a few numbers of artists who have recently come under scrutiny for the uninspired album cover, or the lack of so to say. Even the album covers that people delve further into so see if it means something more than they are being told. Nine tines out of ten though there is nothing else behind it, other than they liked the look and it seemed a fitting cover. So why all the controversy then? Could it be that the album is that amazing, they need something to pick at (it is not often you find an album that is track for track stupendous)? Or is it that people want to delve into the minds of the artist further? The answer is probably none of these. In this day an age people enjoy picking the tiniest fault with anything. This is the job a critic is it not. Yes we are here to praise the product, but also we need to find fault also. Nothing is ever absolutely perfect in life so it won’t be in music.

One of the controversial album covers that brought a lot of media attention to it was that of Hard-Fi second album “once upon a time in the west”. This caused many tongues wagging as the outer sleeve of the album was designed as colour it in your self kind of project. Now this was just the outer sleeve, the inner case actually had how the cover should look, which again brought criticism towards it. It was thought that design was not original and very uninspiring. Again you’re not going to go into a record store and refuse to buy the album on principle that its album artwork is not up to scratch. So why is there big problem with it? It is how the musician wanted it, how they wanted it to be seen so shouldn’t we just accept it.

More recently the Arctic Monkeys have come under fire for simply having their name on the cover. Again there were cries of why have they done this? But I found that it stood out more in the shop. You don’t have to try and search for the small text to see if it is the band you are wanting. It is simple it helps you save time and effort in the long run. “Suck it and see” is not the first album of the Monkeys to come under scrutiny. If you remember the debut then you will remember that concerns were raised with the image of a guy smoking on the cover. It was said that they were promoting that smoking is acceptable. But that image has stuck in your mind has it not. Soon as you see that image then you know what album it is and what band it is.

 So the concept of having a simple image or no image actually does work, you just don’t realise it, you are more concerned with why they haven’t put any thought into it, when in reality they have. What they set out to achieve has worked. They have got you interested in the album, and you are now probably thinking I will buy it just to see if it is actually any good. In my opinion it doesn’t matter what is on the outside it is the content on the inside, that grabs my attention. So keep that in mind when you are listening or reading something about a bands artwork.   

the big supergroup debate.

Hello everyone,

well i ain't going to waffle on, like i usually do, but I would love to see your version of a supergroup.

Super groups or

Super overrated

Recently I have heard many conversations about who would you have in your super group. I find this very interesting as it can show just how diverse your actual music taste is. It also brings out debates in people, for example, “I would have Freddie Mercury as front man” your friend may then object heavily to your opinion. This will then generally create a debate and then get other people to join in. This was ever more so evident on a trip to Milton Keynes to see the Foo Fighters. Now one solution to this problem would be to get Dave Grohl to front everything (the man did record a full album by himself, because he was bored). Now that does sound like of a more likely idea, but does not create fun or a conversation now does it. 

There are two ways in which you can partake in this theory. You can either form your own super group. To do this the rules are simple, you can pick anyone you feel that is worthy of the position you are going to put them in, they can also be dead or alive (it does not matter as this is not really going to happen). Now in theory this does seem to be easy but look at the bigger picture. How many amazing front men and woman have there been over the years, ones that have gone down in history to be the greatest front man (and woman) of all time. As you carefully select your chosen member of this heathen rock group you will soon start to see that you will choose someone and then think oh no I want so, so and so.

Or the second way you can take part is choosing who you would go see if you never seen them. The rules are still simple but have a few restrictions. For instance you have to choose a female artist, a male artist, a band, and so on. Again you can choose anyone you want. This is your fantasy after all.

Some people do feel that a super group is too clichéd, that they should be left alone. If this was the case we wouldn’t have great records such as the “Them crooked Vultures”. Also why shouldn’t people who are incredibly talented people create something beautiful and outstanding together? Just because they have made a name for themselves with other projects, then that does not mean they can’t play outside of that band. Also this is only a game we play with friends and anyone else who cares to join in with it.

So lighten up and try it. See who you will come up with. enjoy the conversations and debates that it will bring. Enjoy finding new people out from it. More importantly it is only a bit of fun. Yes you can get eager and so into it and push your opinions onto others but just enjoy it. Below is my super group now it changes all the time as I go on my musical journey of finding new people and new music. So this is not set in stone.

Front person = David Bowie

Drummer = Keith Moon (The Who) / Taylor Hawkins (Foo fighters) / Dave Grohl (Nirvana and front man of the Foo Fighters)

Guitar = Matt Bellamy (Muse) / Jimi Hendrix

Bass = Flea (Red Hot Chilli Peppers)

The machine AKA The music industry

Hi everyone

hope you enjot this one. after much thinking and listening to what people thought about the Amy Winehouse shambles it made me think that the whole industry needs a shake up. Highlight what actually goes on and get better rights and conditions for artists. Anyways enough of me ranting enjoy.

The Machine AKA

The music industry.

With the recent and somewhat shocking performance from Amy Winehouse in Belgrade, it is hard to see how management even allowed her to go stage. It has only just come out that it was her management that pretty much just pushed her on to the stage, to make her put on that shambles performance, which occurred. Why would they do that to someone who is troubled and is crying out for help? To her management company she is nothing more than a money earner for them. Another reason they would do this is for press. They knew that all eyes would be on her for returning to the stage, so why not create a story form it in the process. The fact that is inhumane, does not count but the fact she brought herself publicity, means a hell of a lot.

Many managements are known for feeding the musicians habits. It is quite a well-known fact that The Libertines were an example of this, Red Hot Chilli Peppers also, and not mention Guns ‘n’ Roses. To get the artists to be at their best, this is how companies thought they could get it. To me this is not managing a talented person; you are creating a deeper problem, which in the end could cost you more.

Record companies do not care about the artist really; they are out to make more and more money. X factor is good example of this they may not plough them with alcohol and drugs yet. They instead say they are training them for this lifestyle. Before the live shows, you have to go under a grueling process of having your teeth whitened and a whole image overhaul. This is so you are more aesthetically pleasing to people. Sorry I forgot that your image is what sells the records, not your actual talent.

When you get signed you go through this whole grueling process, get your image sorted first, record your material, get a bit of publicity, tour the hell out of your material, maybe a day off, and then the cycle starts again. Everyone is apart of this machine, that is the music industry. Like it or loath it, that is what the whole industry is about. If you cannot hack it then you will not stay in it for very long.

Pink Floyds “Welcome to the machine” hits the nail on the head, right from the title. Maybe if it was not for the “machine” then the amazingly talented Syd Barrett may have stayed with group. Instead, he saw it for what it was and got out. Yet he was still a tortured soul. The lyrics “what did you dream, it’s alright, we told you what to dream. You dreamed of a big star, you played a mean guitar” symbolizes the power that record companies do have over the artists. They big you up make you enjoy all of the benefits, let you experience the nice side, then allow you to crash and burn.

Not all of it is down to the record companies and management. The musicians are people and they do have a mind of their own. They could say no, but they also choose not to. They think this is the life for them, they do not realise what is going to happen, and to their management team they are nothing but money earners. They don’t care if you give yourself a habit or do yourself harm, why should they, they will just find another version of you out there.

My advice to any young band or artist out there, would be keep it small. If this is what you love to do then you will appreciate it for what it is. Appreciate the beginning of that special formation you have, enjoy the small venues, the loving fans and the intimate crowds, for as soon as you start to get bigger and bigger. The Belgrade fiasco could soon be you. The Guns ‘n’ Roses riots could happen to you. Or even if you happen to fall into that bracket through sheer talent, then good on you. Just know what happened to your predecessors and learn from their mistakes. Make your experience your own and more importantly make it count. So many talented people get lost in this industry and it is a crying shame.   

Arctic Monkeys - Suck it and see quite literally

Hi everyone,
                    After extensive listening and forming my own opinions, I decided to write a review on the album so enjoy.

Arctic Monkeys –

Suck it and see,

Quite literally.

I love it when a new album comes out. I get all excited and giddy, when I go to purchase it. So this was even more so the case when, the new Arctic Monkeys album came out. I have to say I was hoping that this would be better than Humbug, and by does it beat the last album hands down. It’s about time we heard Alex and the boys back to there normal selves.

Don’t get me wrong Humbug is a great album, but it lacked what the Arctic Monkeys are all about, and that is the quick witted lyrics that come from Turner, mixed with fast paced beats from the rest of the guys. Humbug was a different direction and was met with a lot of bad comments and opinions but strip it away and it is a great album. It is good that a band experiments, you don’t want to be hearing and buying the same thing over and over again, it gets tiring. So I will still give them 10 out of 10 for effort of Humbug. So as many critics didn’t like or believe in Humbug, a lot was riding on the next album.

Suck it and see, does not disappoint. “She’s Thunderstorms” leads you into what you think that it is going to be another Humbug inspired track, but as it gets going you soon realize that the boys are back. Turner’s quick witted and poetic lyrics come alive with the melodies. It is also nice to hear Alex’s voice back to how it was in the first 2 albums rather than the dark sultry pitches he undertook on the last album.

Although the album does seem dark it still has that toe tapping feel that, the Arctic Monkeys always seem to give a record. “Black treacle” is a prime example of this. You can’t help but keep to the beat of Matt Helders. It also seems that they are sticking it too the man, so to speak with the lyric “and you talk the talk alright, but do you walk the walk or catch the train?” insinuating that this album is to push into the critics face and ask, do they even know what they are talking about.

“The hellcat spangled shalalala” takes you back to the “Whatever people think” album. The poetic concept that runs through this song so strongly, that you can’t help but sing and smile at “sing another fucking shalalala.” This is the type of song you would want to here midway through a night out to sing-along with your mates.

The title in its self is, instructing you to just get on with it. Overcome your fears and just taste what is inside this album cover. You will not be disappointed in this album. From start to finish, you will love it and then repeat the process again.

These boys seem to have incorporated all previous 3 albums, into this wonderfully pleasant record, and it has worked. They have carefully selected the best parts of its predecessor. Although “Whatever people say I am” is flawless, find a problem with that album and we will see how many people actually agree with you. From a band that in 2004 and 2005 were playing the tiniest venues and even the unsigned stages at festivals, and now they are on their fourth album. This band has come under as much scrutiny and criticism that a band of their age would only ever get after a few decades. This though shows how in demand they are. People should really just listen to this amazing album and let them take you on a journey of sarcasm and wit, which only these lads can get across. You really should just “suck it and see” with this album, no doubt you will fall in love with it.  

Little bands do matter

Hello everyone,

wow 2 blogs in one day this won't happen that much. this topic is something that I have been thinking of for a while. As my blog is mainly about music this is something that means alot to me. without supporting local bands we will end up with the same music just a different day. So please read and enjoy.

Little bands are

What matter

So with everyone moaning about the line up of Leeds fest, I for one think it is a fantastic one. I love the fact Muse are headlining the Friday night. Although I would prefer them to close it, but hey I am not going to complain, they are playing and that is all that counts. Upon first look at the main stage it is a bit weak but when you delve in to all the other stages you are in for a real treat.

The people who are moaning and complaining clearly have not heard the new and exciting debut album from Mona, the fantastic debut from Frankie and the heartstrings and not to mention the first solo album of Miles Kane, which is out of this world. All of these new albums and bands that are coming out are, our future headline acts at festivals. Muse had to start at the bottom and work their way up, so did Pulp, Coldplay and look how Oasis started out, yes once they were noticed they were catapulted to stardom, but before then little places small stages. All these big bands had to start somewhere, and these are what the smaller tents are for to build these acts up and get them bigger audiences. I will be the first to admit some bands just can’t hack it on the main stages. It is sad to see and even to say they just don’t have the material yet to make it. Notice how I said yet.

You will find that the average music fan does become out of tune with what is new and out in world at the moment. It does cost a lot of money to keep in touch, there is the constant release of new albums, and then there is the tour to follow and then magazines so you can find all of these exciting new things. The one thing that a true music fan will always do (even if they do get out of touch) is go and see the various stages at a festival, or even see the support acts at a gig, of their favorite this band. This way you are getting out there and seeing the new exciting things that are happening, in the music world.

This was evident for me when I recently went to see, The subways at Leeds. We were there just in time to see one of the best support acts I have seen in a while. This band were called Young Aviators, these guys certainly got the crowd going for the main act (who were also amazing). They had a presence on stage that I have not seen in a while from a 3 piece band. They were interacting with the crowd as if they were playing a home crowd, and even brought an onlooker to the stage to become their dancer. It is these attributes of a band that will see these guys go far and accomplish things within the music world, which others will not. Most people that night found that these Irish wonders were an incredible act and couldn’t wait to see more.

So for the people who seem to just sit in the main arena of festivals, to just go see the main headline act, and not experience the full essence of what bands are like before they get to that main stage headlining slot, do not complain about the line up being “crap” or that it’s “same line up again”. If you do not like it then simply do not go. You can not argue that ticket prices are extortionate when you only aim to go to see 3 bands out of the entire weekend, when there are all these little gems hidden away, for you to find and experience. A festival ticket on average costs £200 you break this down over the 3 days and see the little bands you will get your moneys worth. More often than not also the small stages have the better crowds who make the gig even better.

Next time you’re at a gig and you think I will have one more beer, the headline isn’t on until 9, think again and go see the small bands. You will soon see what you are missing out on. These gems are the ones that will be shaping our musical future and the way we listen to music. Don’t get stuck with the old, keep experiencing new things. Music is a wonderful tool that can be appreciated in many ways. These little bands are what are creating the new innovative sounds; you won’t find people like Coldplay changing. They will stick to the Radiohead era for as long as they can (and no I am not slating Radiohead, but they are depressing). Same with the likes of U2 they won’t change, same album time and time again, it gets tiring. So get out there and enjoy your local band, because there will be one rehearsing like mad, just to play that small stage, keep that in mind when you see one of them.     

Live E.P review of Pengilly's

Hello everyone,

I have recently wrote a review of a Leeds band that people should really look into. They are unsigned, but have recently released an outstanding E.P that is beautiful and glorious. Please check them out, and enjoy my review.

Pengilly’s E.P launch

Left bank centre

1^st June 2011

The band soon take to the stage with a glorious opening from a superb choir, with vocals from Ric Hollingberry and co, singing a hymn that opens this wonderful and magical evening. It gives a taste of what is to come, and the crowd can’t wait.

They then launch in to Toby’s Hill with its light vocals and soothing lyrics, you can’t help but watch them, and be mesmerized by this spectacular performance. The setting of the left bank centre is perfect for this band the acoustics just bounce off one another, leading the audience to a very powerful show.

Ode VIII has soft finger picking guitar parts, which helps lead you on a journey with this band. The stage was rather on the small side, but was not an issue for this rather large, yet beautifully instrumental band, they all took their parts and enticed this crowd spectacularly.

 As the night flowed and the sun setting leaving the fairy lights to do the job, this group of extraordinary people made each, and everyone in the room feel like it was just them watching this band.

Further on we are in treated to a cover version of Jason Derulo’s “Whatcha say”. Wondering how this was going to work when I heard the opening chords and not sure if they were going to do the original, they soon set to work making this their own and succeeded. You ever get a chance to see Pengilly’s then I suggest you do.

pete Doherty - waste of space or talented soul

Hello everyone,

Pete Doherty – waste of space

or a talented soul.

For many years now Pete Doherty has been a love hate character for many people. You either love him for his music and talent, in which people believe he has him. Or you hate him for being a drain on our society, and that he gets away with everything just because he is famous.

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the name Pete Doherty, is it scum, drug addicted waste of space or a drain on society. These are some of what people do actually think when they hear the continuous stories of this drug addicted getting away with all the convictions that he has. They have every right to think this as if this was any other person who had just been found with an amount of a class A drug on them, they would be dealt with appropriately. For someone who has a criminal record such as Doherty then prison should be the case for him but time after time he gets away with it, released with a caution, or a fine if the judge is feeling strict. Pete is a re-offender who without a proper punishment will just keep on re-offending, well wouldn’t you if you knew you were going to get away with it.

To some people though that is not the first thing they think of when they hear his name. You think of one half of one of the most innovative and exciting bands on this planet, you think of beautiful lyricist, or just an all round entertainer who has a few problems. I for one fall into this category. I try not to think of his habits outside of music, because that is what brings him down. People can say what they want about him, but he was apart of the Libertines, who with only 2 albums under his belt (well 1 and a half as he wasn’t there for most of the second) created a massive hype, and also a legendry band who would change so many lives.

Within two albums Bilo and Biggles as Doherty and Barat call themselves, created genre defining music, which was based on the trials and tribulations of their friendship, but with a hint of finding the real “Albion” the world watched as Pete and Carl tore chunks out of each other, within the confines of their lyrics to the point where they both couldn’t take no more and parted ways. A short lived fairytale trip round album for their fans, but they continued to make music. Doherty is always in the limelight about all the bad things that he has done and why women should be with him, but what about his lyrics. These seem to get missed somewhere in the media hype.

If you actually read his lyrics then you see tortured soul laying his heart on the line. He does this in such a beautiful way it takes the listener (or reader) on a journey to the heart of Albion, Where everything is perfectly fine and nothing will hurt or bother you. If you take the “For Lovers” song, which was done with wolfman you hear someone who is in love, which could be interpreted for his love of heroin, but he still forgives them for whatever it is that they have done. Albion is a perfect of Pete’s two worlds coming together and not forming well. He lives in the real world but wants to be in Albion this perfect world for him. “Talk over, Gin in teacups, and leaves on the lawn, Violence in bus stops, and the pale thin girl with eyes forlorn.”

People can say what they want about Pete but to us Libs fans the man is a lyrical genius and we always hope that he sort his demons on and return to his post as Carl’s right hand man. Yes he a drug addict, and a drain on tax payers money when he has to go to trail and what not, but that has nothing to do with his writing abilities, and the power to make his fans go on a journey with him. I don’t ever think oh just because he writes good songs and goes out with models he should be let off, he should have the same punishment as everyone else. To those people who also say that he should be made an example of, then what about the little unknown people who still get away with things, should they not be made an example of also. Pete can do what he wants, he is a grown man but it can not doubted that he is a talented human being, who we hope to get more and more out of in the following years. A Libertines permanent reunion would also be nice.