SONG(s) OF THE WEEK-8th to15th July

Welcome to song of the week, a new idea invented by yours truly to force myself to post at least once a week!!

This week, there are two songs that have had the pleasure of constantly being on repeat on the ol' iPod.

NUMBER 1: Man of Sorrows, Hillsong United
WHAT IS THAT? I hear you ask? Well, lemme break it down for you. Hillsong Church is a huge church in Australia with may branches in Europe, Africa and The States. The worship band 'Hillsong United' stem from the church and write and perform incredible praise and worship songs and tour the world (I WANNA SEE THEM SO BAD, I CAN'T EVEN). 'Man of Sorrows' from the album Glorious Ruins (available to download here) is just an amazing cover of an incredible hymn. I love it! There's something about the lyrics that really stirs me. I love the climax and the bridge in United's version as it explodes from the bridge to chorus. It's such a powerful song.


NUMBER 2: Ya-Hey, Vampire Weekend
This has become somewhat of an anthem in my household this week, much to the dismay of my mother who really dislikes the band and the message portrayed in this song. However, I think the Vampire Weekend are phenomenal performers and artists. The lyrics portrayed in Ya-Hey about coming to terms with the thought of a 'god' are so intriguing. As a Christian, it's so interesting to see (this communicated musically) what goes through so many people's heads, especially those that don't have a belief. I think the lyrics are pure genius and have led to translating sessions of the Latin used to fully understand what Ezra wants to show in the song. Anything that can challenge someone musically, spiritually and intellectually must be good, right? Watch the video below!

That conludes this week's ''Song of the week". What songs have you been blasting through the speakers of your non-existent car? What songs should've been on my list for this week? Let me know! And please subscribe? If you want...

The Music Muse

GENTLEMEN OF THE ROAD: SUMMER STAMPEDE (BEST DAY OF MY LIFE SO FAR)

So on Saturday 6th July myself, my sister and my friend Marcelle all ventured up to Queen Elizabeth II Park, Stratford to see not one band, not two bands but SIX amazing bands perform live as part of Mumford and Sons Stampede before their Stopover Tour (which I'm also going to). I won't bore you with the logistics of the event (getting back was a nightmare- someone referred to the amount of people rushing to the tube station as similar to a scene from World War Z with Brad Pitt. It was insane) so I'll just skip to describing each of the performances in turn.

Number One- Bear's Den

I won't lie to you guys, I was a little hesitant about this opening band. I'd never heard of them nor really cared for them. I was more excited about the other acts. BUT BOY WAS I WRONG. The sheepish looking threesome (Andrew Davie, Kev Jones and Joey Haynes) sang and played with such passion and cuteness that the entire crowd was bemused with how good they actually were. Their sound is very 'Mumford-ish' with banjo in tow and folk-like melodies, but there was something else. Something intangible that made me relax, listen and enjoy their beautiful sound in the boiling heat. I should also point out the skill of thee drummer/bassist who at one point played both instruments at the same time!! Cray. I thoroughly enjoyed their performance and they were a great introduction for the rest of the show. Check out their song 'Pompeii' (no, no resemblance to Bastille) HERE and show some love for them on their twitter here. 

Number 2- HAIM

All I can say about their performance is WOW. I've been a fan for almost a year now, so I was eager to see them live and see if the energy they exude in their songs was demonstrated on stage. They blew me and I think everyone else in the crowd too, away. The hair-flicking, leg-kicking- tongue wagging rockstar behavior grabbed everyone's attention and showed the perfect balance of sexiness and power in their performance. Opening with 'Better Off' then 'Don't save me', 'Falling', 'Go Slow' and ending with 'Forever' breaking down into the awesomest drum trio was exhilarating both for them and the crowd. They made thier point: they're badasses and they know it!! It was also great to see a cheeky grin from Winston (Mumford and Sons) who was watching backstage throughout their entire performance. He looked like a proud father witnessing his daughter's first school play- but in front of 65,000 parents. I half expected him to run on stage and scream "HELL YEAH MO FOs" at one point. I can only say that my love for HAIM has increased beyond belief. I've purchased a vintage leather jacket and am looking into drum and bass lessons. Girls, if you need a fourth sister, I'm your girl!! 

Numero 3- Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

I think Alex may have been on drugs. Yes, that is a very broad presumption to make after one performance, but I was not the only one to think this. His mellowness and inability to stand still, followed by the swigs of wine instead of water in-between songs. I shouldn't be too hard on him though- he's a great entertainer. He jumped off stage, asked people to hold him up as he stood on the barriers and then pulled people over the barriers to dance. I was loving it! He was very close to us and yes, I wanted to feel his hair and yes, I was a little jealous I wasn't able to dance with him. But I'm clearly not bitter at all. 'Man on fire' and 'Home' were the highlights of their set and I loved the band- a real group of misfits that all fit perfectly together somehow. Near the end, with five minutes of their set remaining they decided to ask people in the audience to tell them story. One man exclaimed that he was "pissed" and proceeded to tell 64,999 people that he kissed a dog. Ok...the following girls then screamed how much they loved him down the microphone to which Alex replied calmly and sweetly "I love you too". He then offered to film a girl who was filming their set on her phone (I would have passed out in true fan girl style). Finally, with time still remaining they asked a few fans what song they should play next to which someone begged "TRUTH". Eddy was a little hesitant- he said he didn't think that song was appropriate to end, however the band started and an amazing performance was closed with a truly amazing song. Check it out HERE. 

Number 4- Ben Howard

I was incredibly eager to seen Ben perform. I was introduced to his music almost 2 years ago by a friend and I have not looked back. As a huge fan, I was expecting big things from dear Benjamin, and he did not disappoint. Opening with 'Only Love' the crowd errupted during the chorus: 'ONLY LOVE, ONLY LOVE'. I've got to admit however, that I was not a huge fan of his set list. I felt he could have played more of the classics, he played quite a few new songs which the crowd didn't know, making it quite an awkward performance for us. Or maybe it was just me. Nevertheless I was so glad to see him live!! 

Number 5- Vampire Weekend

Right before the show I counted to number of VW songs I knew on one hand. 'Cousins', 'Step', 'A-Punk', 'Holiday', 'Diane Young' and 'Giving up the gun'. That may be six actually. I may have included a toe...
I was hoping, praying they would play a majority of them so I could jump around and pretend to know all the lyrics. Not only did they play them all (YAAAY) the ones I didn't know, my sister and I have now gotten a very unhealthy obsession with. 'Yah-Hey' and 'Oxford Comma' are now huge favorites of mine. Yes, it's only been 3 days. I don't care. EZRA, MARRY ME?! I also need to mention a particular highlight- the bassist's dancing is phenomenal!! Within 10 minutes on stage his shirt was transparent! I don't know where he gets the energy? I want to dance with him in the club. What?  Yes.

Number 6-MUMFORD AND SONS 
I won't lie to you. I got goosebumps throughout their entire set. I am in awe at their musicianship, stage presence, inclusion and passion. It was like watching my best mate's band with 65000 people randomly showing up and knowing all the words. I felt personally connected to them and I didn't want to leave. I loved everything- the set list, the moment they pretended they weren't coming back, the moment the crowd cheered for Ted (who recently underwent surgery for a brain tumor), the moment confetti sprayed us, the crowd singing happy birthday to 'Adam', the final performance with all the acts on one stage...I could go on and on. If I had to pick my favorite performance, it would have to be 'Dustbowl Dance' and 'Babel'. They are my favorite songs from each album and the band did not disappoint. Oh no, just got a flashback of 'Winter Winds'!! That was just fantastic! Every song was brilliant, let me just say that.
I am so happy and excited to be able to see them again next week at the Stopover in Lewes! If that much can be packed into one evening, what more 2 whole days of amazing music, with amazing people in an amazing location. Gentlemen, I'm coming for you.

"The best of British"

Yes this title was taken from a M&S advert. That's not the point. The point is, I have been possibly the worst music blogger ever. My second year exams have only just finished so I have spending my time at home easting and sleeping in copious amounts. Forgive me.

Now, back to bizniss. Is it just me or is there a stupid amount of British talent in the charts right now?? Like, seriously. It's amazing!! Below are a few artists KILLING IT (it being the music industry, not actual people) at the moment and why I love them.


1. DISCLOSURE-
Who can't get enough of this band? *raises hand* Me. Not to mention that my sister and I have to tell everyone we know that we went to school with them and now to hear their music played on the radio, on adverts is just amazing. They have single handedly changed and evolved 'house' music into a fantasy land of silky smooth vocal appearances and beats. 'Settle' is already number one on iTunes album chart! Good on ya lads, Graham would be proud. That's a private joke. You wouldn't understand. 

2. THE LOVEABLE ROGUES-
I fell in love with these cheeky Essex chaps when they performed on BGT last year. They're bringing back 'ska' to a younger audience who are unlikely to remember a certain band called 'Madness'. I love love LOVE the personalities they clearly reflect in their lyrics and in the style they have fallen so effortlessly into.

3. PASSENGER-
My artist of the month, Passenger's folk-like vocals and soft melodies are going down a treat on my iPod. A favourite of mine is a duet with good ol' Ed Sheeran "Hearts on fire". I had to put it on repeat for a good few days. With lyrical depths and a great beard to match (love a good beard) I can see Passenger's debut album "All the little lights" becoming a cute summery hit- great for roadtrips, BBQs and all things British!


4. MUMFORD AND SONS-
I have to listen to a song of theirs at least once a day to feel complete and whole. Spiritually awakening. I love them. I am so glad I'm seeing them TWICE this summer. I'm a true folk convert thanks to them!

5. RIZZLE KICKS-
Sorry, but these guys do not get enough credit in the music industry. In my opinion one of the hardest working duos to come from the urban pop scene. Their fashion is unique and laid back, and I love any band that makes full use of brass, rap and singing? Their bubbliness translates into their songs and are truly game changers in the British pop industry fo' sho.

6. RUDIMENTAL-
Another group that make use of brass (love them trumpets) I am in awe of the vocal talent Rudimental have used to gain huge popularity in the nu-dubstep scene. I think I just made up a genre. Their beats are crazy, not Skrillex levels of pure insanity and not too cheesy either- they've found the perfect balance of sexiness and classiness without being over-hyped or under-valued. SEE THEM LIVE as well. They tore up my university's end of year ball at the beginning of June!


And that concludes (for now) the 'Best of British' talent!! Now to get back to revision.

Top Artist of 2013: 6- 10!!

Oh wow, I haven't posted in ages! I've been so busy with work that I have neglected this blog entirely. I now have compiled the last of my Top Artist list from 6-10! Hope you enjoy.


6. Jake Bugg
Fast becoming one of the most outspoken musician in the industry, Jake Bugg is forgiven due to his incredible talent. He's already been compared to the likes of Bob Dylan which can only mean great things are yet to come for this Nottingham singer/songwriter. My favourite songs include 'Seen it all' and 'Broken'.

Check out the video for 'Seen it all' above! His self titled album 'Jake Bugg' is available from iTunes here! You will not regret it.

7. Haim
Sister trio Haim are kicking up a storm in the music and fashion industries worldwide. Effortlessly cool and oozing kickassness (I'm sure that's not a word), it's incredible to see such a breath of fresh air this year with a girl group who play their own instruments, write and sing their own songs!! After hearing their free EP 'Forever' and 'Falling' and supporting acts such as Mumford and Sons, Florence and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros its clear these sisters are making a huge impression on the music industry. Can't wait to see them on the 6th July this year either!

Check out my fave song 'Don't save me' and 'Better Off' below. Oh and buy their EP!! :)

8. Kendrick Lamar
This rapper has literally come from no where with explosive catchy rhymes similar to Kanye's earlier music back in '06. I first heard his 'Backstreet Freestyle' on Radio 1 in December (that long ago) and now I'm obsessed. Blasting 'Swimming Pools' at ever house party or whilst I'm getting ready for a night out is bound to get you HYPED. Check out his album 'Good Kid, M.A.A.D city' produced by Dre himself and featuring other explosive rappers Drake, Jay Rock and Dr Dre. Lamar has recently opened for ASAP Rocky and 2 Chainz, making him one of the best up and coming rappers of 2013!

Check out 'Poetic Justice' feat. Drake and my fave 'Backstreet Freestyle'.

9. Iggy Azalea
FINALLY a white female rapper who can actually put Azelia to shame. I just went there. Australian born rapper Iggy Azalea (not to be confused with Azelia) is now on my top 5 favourite rappers of all time. I might do a separate post about that actually. I first heard Iggy through my 16 year old sister blasting 'PU$$Y' on her speakers. Highly inappropriate, I know. I had words with her afterwards. However, now I'm hooked. Lyrically and beat-wise. Please listen to 'Work' her debut single in the UK out now and 'Murda Bizness' ft. T.I!

10. The Return of the 90s!
From TV shows including My Mad Fat Diary to The Big Reunion; fashion pieces including jelly shoes, dungarees and eccentrically coloured shirts and old school tunes seemingly coming back into the charts from no where (PJ and Duncan at no. 1!!) I think it's safe to say we're all experiencing sever 1990s fever. I for one LOVE IT. The music from the 90s was some of the best ever made, and I'm not even ashamed to admit that I frequently download old school tunes from time to time. Ok all the time. The 90s were a happy time, I was born, the recession from the 80s was over, Freddos were 5p- life was pretty dandy. And now, when times are worse people look back and wonder "Whatever happened to Aqua?" and a new wave of 90s nostalgia begins. Enjoy my top tunes from one of the best decades ever! #90sisbackalright

1. Vanilla Ice- Ice, Ice Baby (1990)

2. Bryan Adams- (Everything I do) I do it for you, 1991

3. Whitey Houston- I will always love you (1992)

4. Gabrielle- Dreams, 1993

4. Coolio- Gangster's Paradise, 1995

5. Oasis- Don't look back in anger, 1996

6. Hanson- Mmmm Bop, 1997

7. R. Kelly- I believe I can fly, 1997

8. Celine Dion- My heart will go on, 1998

9. Ricky Martin- Livin' la vie da loca, 1999

10. Spice Girls- Viva Forever, 1999

....I didn't even include Vengaboys, S Club 7, Blur, Boyzone, B WItched, Cher, Britney Spears, Elton John, Westlife, Take That, Eiffel 65, Aqua, Eternal, Prodigy, The Chemical Brothers, Shaggy, Mariah Carey, East 17, Boys II Men, Will Smith, Queen, George Michael or Kylie Minogue. All of which made the 1990s iconic and great.

Top artists of 2013: 5. JUSTIN LITERALLY BRINGING SEXY BACK!

Yes, you heard me.  JT is back and I think I speak on behalf of all women when I say: THANK YOU LORD.

His new album 'The 20/20 Experience' is a more mature sound from Justin- his days crying by rivers are long LONG gone. Fans have grown up a lot since his last album 'Future Sex/Lovesounds' in 2006 (7 years!!) and music has moved along too, so Justin had to find a fine line between great pop songs and keeping the huge fan base he's had for over a decade and he has managed to not only do that, but encourage a whole new wave of fans- older ladies! My Mum is now a huge fan saying (and I quote) "Justin Timberlake's music is a lot more mature now. I like it". Woah. Not sure I can handle that Venn diagram of love for Justin between us.

Unfortunetly, I'm yet to hear the whole album but by the two songs he's already released 'Suit and Tie' ft Jay-Z and 'Mirrors' his music (and let's face it Justin himself) just ooze sexy, cool, sophisticated, mature...
I'm loving the return to old school RnB with the sweet falsetto melodies Justin's famous for.
I can't wait to hear the rest of his album I can tell it's going to be huge!! All the best of luck with it Justin!

PS. Justin, if you're reading this...marry me? #nobiel

Here's his BRITs performance for 'Mirrors'. There is no excuse for anyone to have missed this. No. Excuse.

THE TOP WORSHIP SONGS OF ALL TIME (in my opinion)

Here's a list of 10 of my all time faveee worship songs. If yours aren't on here, feel free to comment below with what you consider to be yours!!

This is in no particular order:

1. Oceans (Where Feet May Fall)-Hillsong United (From the album Zion, 2013)
WHY? Outstandingly beautiful lyrics from Reuben "The Lyric Powerhouse" Morgan. I know, I know, "it's just been released, how can it already be your favourite OF ALL TIME"? Well, just trust me on this one. It's gonna blow you away.
FAVE LINE: "My soul will rest in Your embrace, for I am Yours and You are mine" and "In oceans deep my faith will stand" AND "Your grace abounds in deepest waters"  (OK, so every lyric is my favourite...and what)

LISTEN HERE Oh, and buy the album. It is sooo #annointed ;)

2. 10,00 Reasons (Bless the Lord)- Matt Redman (From album 10,000 Reasons, 2011)
WHY? Matt Redman was the first artist I listened to before I became a Christian, so his songs have a special resonance with me. Anyway, this is just a great and powerful song inspired by the Psalms- so big up to King David for inspiring such a great song!! :D  

FAVE LINE(S): "And on the day when my strength is failing, the end draws near and my time has come, still my soul will sing your praise unending...ten thousand years and then forver moreeee"

3. I Desire Jesus- Hillsong Live (Cornerstone album, 2012)
WHY? Honest, simple lyrics that I personally could really relate to. Not to get too bogged down with the nitty gritty of the faith but it's something that once you become a Christian, you really feel your heart and soul lift to when you hear it. Or maybe it's just me.
FAVE LINE(S): "You are worthy of all honour, all glory to Your name" and "I desire Jesus, oh His name my soul esteem" 


4. Worthy is the Lamb- Brooklyn Tabernacle choir (no idea if it's on any albums- if you know, give me a shout!)
WHY? There are so many covers and versions of this classic including the phenomenal Darlene Zschech! But I don't know, this version just resonates with me. My Mum is a huge fan of The BTC and showed me this version- (yes, my Mum can use YouTube...just about). I love Love LOVE it and even blast it on the revision playlist! Have a listen, you will not be disappointed.
FAVE LINE(S): "High and lifted up, Jesus Son of God. The treasure of heaven crucified" 
LISTEN HERE

4. God be Praised-New Life Worship (from album Light up the world, Desperation band, 2009)
WHY? My friend Rhoda (shoutout to my home girrrllll) introduced me to this thing yeah. What it is is a group of worship peeps do covers of songs and stuff and I was just blown away by this cover. Ever since then, manz has been obsessed. I've even got to the point where I know the time of it on the YouTube clip and just skip to it automatically. I know. I've got a problem. Have a listen to the original and then judge me!
FAVE LINE(S): "God be praised, all the glory to Your awesome name!"


5. Our God Reigns-Delirious?
WHY? First heard this at 'A Cause to Life For' conference with Vineyard last year. Never looked back. What an awesome band!
FAVE LINE(S): "Forever Your kingdom reigns"

6. Ancient of Days- Ron Kenoly
WHY? Two words: ABSOLUTE. BANGER. Takes me back to my charismatic days as a kid when I'd love to just mime along- no idea what all the grown-ups were singing at all. All I knew is that I loved the music, the stage would just be jamming hard! Our choir was amazing and some cool guys got to play trumpets and brass instruments! This song (and Days of Elijah) for me was like Christmas, birthdays and Easter rolled into one. #oldschool
FAVE LINE(S): "Your kingdom shall reign over all the earth, be unto the ancient of days!"
Just watch it here and you'll get the picture. Absolute beaut of a song.

7. Shout to the Lord- Darlene Zschech
WHY? This is just a total classic with annointed lyrics.
FAVE LINE(S): "..tower of refuge and strength, let every breath, all that I am, never cease to worship you"

8. Spirit Break Out- Tim Hughes (Worship Central)
WHY? First heard it at Pentecost last year with Hillsong, Holy Trinity Brompton (tried to keep an eye out for Proudlock and Kimberley, sadly neither were to be seen) and it blew me away. I'm a converted Worship Central fangirl now! *screams Tim Hughes*
FAVE LINE(S): "Our father, all of heaven roars your name, sing louder let this place erupt with praise...can you hear it? The sound of heaven touching earth"

9. Fiery Love- Sam Lane, Vineyard Records (from The Fire album, 2013)
WHY? Lord have mercy, could this song be any better? What? In love. We sing this at church like every week and every week it's just phenomenal. Would've loved to see Sam Lane perform it live at #ACTLF last year!
FAVE LINE(S): "Lift me from my grave and hold me up"

10. Agnus Dei- Michael W Smith
WHY? This song is never ending. It is just a beautiful proclamation of what's probably being sung in heaven. WOAH, DID I JUST GO THERE? Yes. I did. #sorrynotsorry
FAVE LINE(S): "Holy are you Lord God, Almighty"


11. Awesome God- Kirk Franklin (couldn't narrow it down to just 10!!)
WHY? This just makes me wanna salsa dance through the isles and swing my hips in a highly inappropriate manner for a church service. It's one of those amazing "get up and dance and worship" songs that remind me of a childhood in a huge charismatic church!
FAVE LINE(S): "You're marvellous and you're glorious, your love has made me victorious"



Comment below what your favourites are in your top 10 worship songs! :)

My Springtime Playlist :)

I'm sure I'm not the only one who creates a playlist on their iPod for each of the seasons? You know what I mean? Songs that remind you of Winter- those dark haunting vocals of Ben Howard with the occasional christmas song thrown in? Or Summer playlists- filled with Flo-Rida, Rihanna and David Guetta's tunes and songs that make you wanna get up, cocktail/can of cider/beer/Pimms in tow and dance around the beach/festival or more likely, your bedroom?

Well, MARCH IS HERE. Thank God for that. I was sick and tired of snow, cold, Lemsip and layering out my clothes. Now, I'm ready for Spring- the fresh colours, warm(er) days and erm cleaning? No.

So here are a few songs I am currently (no, seriously- as I'm making this I've actually got this playlist on in thee background-bliss) that are so Springtimey it's bound to make you get up, eat an Easter egg and start cleaning your room. I'm serious. It's filthy. Go clean it. Now.

Tom Odell- Hold Me (omg, on repeat...FOREVER)

Haim- Better Off

Lianna LaHavas- Tease Me

Dido- Life For Rent

McFly-Love is Easy

Mika- We Are Golden (where is he now?)

King Charles ft. Mumford and Sons- Brightest Lights

Of Monsters and Men- Little Talks