Song of the Day...

Today's song of the day is a track called Drive Darling,by BOY, from the album Mutual Friends.

You can download the track/album on iTunes here, or listen to it on Spotify here.

Collecting Strange Perfections

Isn't it amazing how bad I am at keeping up with this blog?

As it stands, I was actually without a laptop/computer recently, and that was just a teensy setback in keeping with my New Years resolution to update a little more often. That, and the fact that I really have absolutely no idea what I'm doing half the time.

None of that, however, will stop me from spreading this next album like wildfire. I may not make sense (my understanding of music is tragically limited, I'm sure you've all figured that out by now), but I can at least make an attempt.

Hozier's self-entitled album hit the shelves last year and I saved up enough money to get my wicked little fingers on a copy. Let me tell you something about this album: You will NOT be disappointed.

I may not be the best when it comes to describing sound, or music in general, but this album defies all description anyway (it may just be me, but we're not talking about that right now). There's so much to say about this album, featuring popular tracks like "Take me to church" and my personal favorite "From Eden", and finding a place to start this review is difficult. As a place to start, however, I think it would be best to begin with the vocals.

Throughout the album, Andrew Hozier graces us with the soft, melodic crooning of a steady voice, roughened around the edges without sounding grating or unpleasant. Rising and falling with the cues of the melody, from bridge to chorus flawlessly, The vocals play along nicely with the bluesy feel of the album.

I asked several people I know how they would describe the music, and got varying degrees of an answer, none of those the same. Basically, what I came up with, was that if rhythm and blues got together with electric chapel, then Hozier and his debut album would be the deliciously intriguing product.

Choosing a favorite track for this album was actually one of the hardest decisions to make -and that includes the time I had to decide what university to go to and what I wanted to study! It was a hard decision, but after careful consideration I realized that I had the answer already.

From Eden takes the top track, with Be Alone taking second and Take me to Church in third place. Honourable mention goes to In a Week, featuring Karen Cowley; a beautiful and haunting track which could not be in the top three, but is still incredibly brilliant, as well as the song Sedated; much the same, still not top three but ultimately perfect. (okay, so that's more than one, maybe I should just do track-by-track if I can't decide... nah).

As for ratings, I'm giving this album a 5 stars, because it is an overall enjoyable album, and a nice mix of relaxing, haunting and fiery. In any case, When I asked for something new, I was not expecting to find an Irish musician with music that was so unlike most popular music it almost gave me whiplash. I'm impressed, and the album is a definite favorite of mine.

You can find Hozier on twitter and facebook, and download the album on iTunes (I recommend it, I really do).

I don't know when I'll next be able to update, but watch this space for more! Suggestions are always welcome, just let me know on twitter, instagram, or in the comments below.
Happy Listening!
-Em 

New Year, New Music, New Resolution

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I know it may seem as if I've abandoned this little blog at times, but as the New Year is upon us, I find myself with new inspiration.

Recently I've been going through the music I've had for quite some time, and I found myself falling in love all over again with The Temper Trap's self-titled album from 2013. In fact, I was actually listening to it as I 'celebrated' the New Year (if sitting at home reading with a glass of wine constitutes as celebrating).

The album is a favorite of mine, and I have been meaning to blog about it for the longest time (read as: since I first listened to it). I find many of the tracks to be quite calming, and though the lyrics may have a much deeper/insightful meaning, the melodies leave me feeling wistful and slightly nostalgic (surprisingly), and the vocals are soothing, creating a wonderfully calm and thoughtful vibe.

The album features track's such as 'Trembling Hands' and 'Need Your Love', as well as personal favorites of mine, including 'The Sea is Calling' and 'Dreams'.

Since releasing this album, the Melbourne based band has spent 2014 touring, and featured at the New Years Eve celebrations in Sydney (SydNYE), and are looking forward to another year of a similar outlook (perhaps with a new album? Hmm... Well, maybe).

If you'd like to keep up with all the events and information regarding The Temper Trap, you can follow them on various .social .media .accounts, and view touring details here.

As for other news, I'm looking forward to hearing what music artists can come up with this year. Hopefully something a little less... Bass? Yeah, that's right, because you know what? Bass is so last year. How 'bout acoustics this year? or a Capella? Why not!
Yeah, I know, I ask too much.
There's always hope...
maybe?

Keep listening, I hope you enjoy the year as much as I plan to do.
-Em xx

Good Lorde, it's Pure Heroine

Recently I've been spending any money I can get on buying new albums. One of my favourite albums I've bought recently is Lorde's 'Pure Heroine'.

I'm assuming you've all heard of her by now, yes? Sixteen, killer voice, strange dance moves, kind of cocky? Yeah, that one.
So, the first time I heard her wonderful voice I thought to myself, "Wow, this girl has got some AMAZING

vocal talent", and I proceeded to buy any music of hers that I could. Which is all amazing, I'll have you know.

And it's not just her voice, oh no. It's all about the lyrics, and Lorde has proven that not all music these days is about sex, drugs, and violence. That, in and of itself, is a novelty that is very hard to find in the music industry (unless you actually look for it, in which case it's easier than a lot of people think).
The New Zealander (almost Australian, so close, yet so far) is turning heads with hits like 'Royals', 'Tennis Court' and 'Team'.
While those songs are all well and good, they obviously aren't her only ones. Personally, I like 'Buzzcut Season', 'Glory and Gore', and 'The Love Club'. (Though, yeah, I still love those other, more popular tracks)

As much as I adore her music (her voice is absolutely perfect), I'm not a huge fan of her attitude. Of course, her attitude is what makes her her, and so unique, and I'm still inclined to respect her musically, if not personally.
No, but really, have you heard her voice? When I found out she was 16, I was actually kind of shell-shocked. If she didn't go around insulting other artists that I'm also quite fond of, I'd probably respect her a little more in a non-musical sense. I guess we just have to assume she's got good reasons, right? I don't care, I'm only in it because her music is good.

That's probably really rude, but I haven't posted anything in yonks and it's about time I give a little, even if it's even worse than anything else I have before. At least it's something, right?
Anyway. If you haven't already, go and check this girl out, because she is absolute talent personified, so buy her album 'Pure Heroine' and sit back and feel all chilled. Seriously, it's like, when you listen to it, you don't have anything to worry about. It's crazy! I love it!

Stay Classy!
-Em xx

Going Native...

I understand that this may come as a surprise, what with my inability to actually keep this blog updated on a regular basis, but I am back with something brand new and exciting for you all.

*puts on news anchor voice*

Hello and this is Emily reporting live to you from the inside of my bedroom, where I have made the amazing rediscovery of the internet connection.

Okay. Serious news now. I came here for a reason.

As you all should know (or will now know), OneRepublic is probably one of my favourite bands to exist... EVER! A few weeks ago I found out that they released a new album called 'Native', and so that is what this post is about.
I went and bought the Deluxe Edition of the album (because I like all the bonus acoustic songs) and it is probably one of the greatest decisions of my life. This album is inspiring and absolutely beautifully composed, which is a magnificent combination.

It's been a hard decision to make, choosing my top three songs off the album, but when it all boils down to it, there is just no arguing with these three great song.
#3 is Burning Bridges (It was at a 1 point win over Something I need)
#2 is Counting Stars, because I adored that song since the first time I heard it
And, coming in at #1, is Preacher. This song is my favourite, and I wouldn't even be able to tell you why if you asked.
All in all, the album is definitely one to buy, and I give it a 9½ out of 10. (The other half was lost when I had to go to the ends of the earth to buy a hard copy. Being in a small town is the worst.)

If you're interested in having a look-see at these guys, you can find them on Twitter, and their Official Website. And I sincerely suggest that EVERYBODY go and buy their album off iTunes. You will not regret it.

Also, to make this post even better, I have some more good news. OneRepublic are coming to Australia! They'll be playing a few capital city shows, which should be extremely exciting. I am definitely planning on going. Tickets for that go on sale October 3, and they're playing at Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Wellington in early November.

Happy Listening,
-Em Xx

March Fires!

Hello again, my lovelies.
As  promised, today we will be taking a look at The newest album from Birds of Tokyo, March Fires(It's funny, because it's March at the moment). I actually bought this album a few weeks ago, I was just waiting for the right moment to actually write about it. Now seems like a good enough time as any.

The Birds of Tokyo are a five peice Australian band hailing from Perth, Western Australia. Having three previous albums under their belt, the guys have continued to wow the world with the release of their newest album, March Fires. Having achieved a reasonable amount of success with the last two albums, it's looking hopeful for the alternative-rock band to continue their winning streak and steal the hearts -and ears- of many more fans across the globe. The band is currently touring across Australia and their album has managed to make it to No.1 on the ARIA charts.
As most artists, the five members of the band -Ian Berney, Ian Kenny, Glenn Sarangapany, Adam Spark, and Adam Weston- are all extremely grateful to all their fans for the support they are receiving.
The new album brings with it a fresh sound, not completely like the previous albums, but not straying too far off course that it would deter the fans of the previous albums. They've managed to match the music so that the similarities and the differences are all positive toward the success of the album. The album includes songs such as, the ever popular 'Lanterns' and 'This Fire', which was released as a single in late 2012.

For me, what I liked about this album was that it flowed together rather seamlessly. There are some artists that attempt to do that, but it just doesn't work. They've done a great job with this album and should be feeling quite proud of themselves for their creation.
To chose a favourite song is difficult; they're all so GOOD!
Lanterns would be a popular choice, and it is a wonderful song, however I'd have to say y favourite song from the album would probably be Sirin. I couldn't even explain why, it just kind of... Well, it sounds nice, anyway, and that's what matters.
If you're interested in checking out these guys, Here is their Official Website and Twitter. Good Luck!

 

Here are some pictures, because pictures make everything so much more colourful. Don't you agree?

 

And it looks like that's all the time we have for today, so I hope you enjoyed that little shower of thoughts and maybe you could come back next time, when we'll have another band/artist to talk about.
Until Next time!
-Em Xx

A Step in a Different Direction

Guess what everyone...
It's been so long since I've updated, I've decided to do something special. Extremely special. Today, I will be discussing boy bands.
Yeah... How origional am I?
But, for real though, there are so many, and they go into so many genres of music. In all honesty I could write limitless pages on all the boybands that I know.
One Direction would be the first one that comes to mind.

Now, whether or not you're a fan of One Direction, you have to admit that these five boys, all from different parts of the UK, have made quite the impression. With millions of fans and sold out concerts across the globe, we can be fairly certain that these boys -Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Liam Payn, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson- have made it big. But why do their fans like them? Is it their music? their looks? Are they some kind of aliens, using their music to brainwash this generations music listeners?
I was once told that, even if you don't like One Direction, you have to like One Direction. I didn't understand this until, one day, I decided to find out just who they were. After watching a few interviews, listening to a few songs, and getting to know just who they are that way, I discovered that whoever told me that was right. These young men have all the qualities that could draw in the typical teenage fangirl; Attractive. British. Boys. But other than those superficial things, they also have charming personalities (or so it seems from a fans perspective, but since I've actually never met them I wouldn't know any different) and their voices are incredible. Especially when you strip it down to the basics, with just vocals and an instrument.
Since becoming a fan, I have also corrupted the minds of the people around me (friends) into being fans. A friend of mine, who absoloutly hates their music, even agrees that their voices are lovely and they are some of the funniest guys she's seen. Given her usual taste in music is Metallica and Skrillex I'm going to take this as a win. Of course, the fact that she also thinks Harry Styles is a psychopath is hilariously amusing.
The boys actively participated in the writing or their newest album, 'Take me home', and say that the album is a little more mature than their last. The TMH tour has gone underway and fans are already going mad over thier favourite 'bromances', keeping an eye out for any special 'moments' that the boys share.
Sadly, I'm not going to their concert because there are no tickets left, because sometimes people are greedy and go more than once and don't give other poeple a chance to go. How rude. (Okay, I may just be really slow when it comes to getting tickets) It's the exact same thing that happened with Ed Sheeran... but that's a story for another time.
Wow... This has been a really long post... I hope I didn't bore you.
I probably did...
I do have good news! The next boyband I do will be something completely different from One Direction.
YAY! (for everyone else)
I haven't chosen yet. I'm open to suggestions.
But I'm not sorry.
Buh-bye now,
-Em :D

(P.S. Guess what my friend gave me! She gave me, like, 28 new albums. Ranging from Jessie J to lullaby renditions of Black Sabbath. I'm incredibly greatful. I LOVE HER!! She is the greatest!)

OH! I almost forgot. Here's another little picture of One Direction, because I like pictures, and I like pictures of them, and I feel this post would be boring if it didn't have a picture... or mayb three...

Oops... My bad... That was a gif. How about I find a different picture? No? You've had enough One Direction? You can't stand to see another picture? Hear another word? Well... I'm kind of sadistic in that way, that I'm going to torture you. If you've made it to this point you're asking for it.

Okay. Yeah. These weirdo's have actually, like, ruined my life. I'm finished now. Be prepared for the next time I write, because I don't know what I might write about, or which band I might do. I think I might do Birds of Tokyo... or maybe not. Oh, and one more thing...

Have a lovely day.