Just a quick few words, I've been so busy revising lately. I've been reading so much French recently that I have genuinely begun talking to myself in the language. Oh mon dieu. Here's a few songs that I've been playing the heck out of when having study breaks, singing in the mirror.
Pyrite (Fools Gold)
Frank Ocean
Goldie
ASAP Rocky
No Church In The Wild
Jay Z & Kanye West ft. Frank Ocean
Quelle Surprise (Mols, seriously, quit it with the constant French) Frank Ocean has appeared again. He's just too perfect. I love Pyrite, his voice is so beautiful with the melancholy chord progression. Also, Goldie and No Church In The Wild are the perfect songs to blast through your speakers with their similarly addictive and constant basslines.
P.S. thankyou to Emily, Kate and Kendall from Trends With Benefits for the Versatile Blogger Award nomination.
Saturday, 28 April 2012
Monday, 23 April 2012
Frank Ocean
"Hi" types Mollie from a laptop surrounded by French booklets, with a maths revision tab open amongst other social networking sites. As a means of procrastinating (well, I wasn't really doing much as I kind of got swept away by Frank's beautiful voice) I'm just going to write about Frank Ocean.
I'm currently learning Frank's song 'White' from the OF Volume 2 tape on piano so I thought it would be appropriate to profess my undying love for this guy. He effortlessly oozes such a passion for the story being told through his songs, of which he lyricises so well; at only 24 years old he's written Beyonce's 'I Miss You' track amongst working with many other artists. Releasing his first mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra in February 2011, Frank delighted many with his more laid back approach, particularly in contrast to his other Odd Future member's more 'hyphy' styles.
I adore Strawberry Swing. Frank poetically uses such open and honest lyrics such as 'spaceships are lifting off of a dying world' sung over a simplistic accompaniment that allows his melodic voice to envelope the reader into his music.
Thinking About You is a perfect example of Frank's range in vocals; with a gorgeous falsetto separating the verses. The wallowing synthetic sound in the background of lyrics about a love interest(cough, me) force listeners to hear the melody in his voice, the main focus in many of Frank's tracks. Well, when it's that good, why wouldn't it be?
Now enter the beautiful mind of Frank. Doesn't he look so handsome in his glasses?
I adore Strawberry Swing. Frank poetically uses such open and honest lyrics such as 'spaceships are lifting off of a dying world' sung over a simplistic accompaniment that allows his melodic voice to envelope the reader into his music.
Thinking About You is a perfect example of Frank's range in vocals; with a gorgeous falsetto separating the verses. The wallowing synthetic sound in the background of lyrics about a love interest
Now enter the beautiful mind of Frank. Doesn't he look so handsome in his glasses?
"When I'm trying to make a song...even the parts that don't have words...it's still really trying to make a photograph out of something that you can never see"
"I think we all change each others paths, you know. I don't know which law or idea that is in physics but I don't think any of us can live without affecting each other"
" Sonic goodies yo...sonic goodies. That's a weird word, goodies."
Friday, 20 April 2012
Coachella 2012
Coachella is at the top of my list for festivals to go to. Set in the lovely landscape of California with many artists performing under the setting sun who belong to a diverse line-up, it is the perfect music paradise. This year included an eclectic mix of The Black Keys' rock n roll anthems, the dance beats of David Guetta and even an incredibly realistic hommage to Tupac in the form of a hologram. Insane.
Friday
The first day of three day weekend was by far the greatest, in my opinion. The Arctic Monkeys played in the early evening and, as this video shows, were the always charismatic Yorkshire lads complete with their leathers and slicked back hair. An electric performance by The Black Keys covering all their greatest songs was later scheduled. Believe me, if I was there, there would be no stopping me from flailing about to the pounding beat coming from the ever so energetic Patrick on the drums. Another of my favourite artists, Frank Ocean, performed a mellow set on Friday that showed off his deep, buttery voice to at its best, even if there was a few technical difficulties. Full performance from Frank here (I got too excited when Tyler jumped on stage for Analog with his disposable camera).
Saturday
Saturday also brought a range of musical styles. Bon Iver delighted fans with a beautiful performance of Skinny Love complete with a lovely subdued stage setting, Azealia Banks delivered an edgy performance of some skilled fast-rapping of which I just can't fathom how to do, and AWOLNATION showcased the amazing anthem of a song, Sail. However, the Sahara Stage was where it was at, I'm sure. David Guetta, Martin Solveig and Jacques Lu Cont were set to perform and get everyone raving on a Saturday night.
Sunday
Yay! Yay! Yay! I have finally seen good quality video footage of The Weeknd in action. His captivating set infused with the electric sound on the Outside Stage looked fantabulous. As was apparent on Saturday's set list, big dance names surfaced again with Avicii, Nero and Calvin Harris all performing on the Sahara Stage. Florence and the Machine finished off the weekend on the outdoor stage, which I'm sure was as ethereal and enchanting as ever.
Images from the festival:
Style
Coachella is the perfect place for people to let their inner bohemian escape through their style.
images via harpersbazaar, vogue, hollywoodreporter
So I'm going to go and plan a massive trip to California to go to Coachella, laden in florals, feathers and sunnies. Coachella 2013, see you there baby.
♥mollie
Friday
The first day of three day weekend was by far the greatest, in my opinion. The Arctic Monkeys played in the early evening and, as this video shows, were the always charismatic Yorkshire lads complete with their leathers and slicked back hair. An electric performance by The Black Keys covering all their greatest songs was later scheduled. Believe me, if I was there, there would be no stopping me from flailing about to the pounding beat coming from the ever so energetic Patrick on the drums. Another of my favourite artists, Frank Ocean, performed a mellow set on Friday that showed off his deep, buttery voice to at its best, even if there was a few technical difficulties. Full performance from Frank here (I got too excited when Tyler jumped on stage for Analog with his disposable camera).
Saturday
Saturday also brought a range of musical styles. Bon Iver delighted fans with a beautiful performance of Skinny Love complete with a lovely subdued stage setting, Azealia Banks delivered an edgy performance of some skilled fast-rapping of which I just can't fathom how to do, and AWOLNATION showcased the amazing anthem of a song, Sail. However, the Sahara Stage was where it was at, I'm sure. David Guetta, Martin Solveig and Jacques Lu Cont were set to perform and get everyone raving on a Saturday night.
Sunday
Yay! Yay! Yay! I have finally seen good quality video footage of The Weeknd in action. His captivating set infused with the electric sound on the Outside Stage looked fantabulous. As was apparent on Saturday's set list, big dance names surfaced again with Avicii, Nero and Calvin Harris all performing on the Sahara Stage. Florence and the Machine finished off the weekend on the outdoor stage, which I'm sure was as ethereal and enchanting as ever.
Images from the festival:
The Black Keys performing, Frank and Tyler, Alex Turner performing with the Arctic Monkeys, Azealia Banks and Florence Welch (love this photo)
Style
Coachella is the perfect place for people to let their inner bohemian escape through their style.
So I'm going to go and plan a massive trip to California to go to Coachella, laden in florals, feathers and sunnies. Coachella 2013, see you there baby.
♥mollie
Saturday, 14 April 2012
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Sat on a train, gazing contemplatively at the rolling English countryside with the raspy tone of Alex Turner in my ear, I thought "Hey Mols, write something". Aah writing. Whatever happened to just writing? So here I am, poised with my lined paper and Biro in hand aloft the rickety fold down table ready to pour out my innermost thoughts. Well, not really. But I am going to review arguably the best album in the world.
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Arctic Monkeys
January 2006
Before the music even becomes part of a sound wave, the album cover (an unshaven man holding a cigarette to his mouth squinting smugly towards the camera lens) is already suggesting that the Arctic Monkeys are brewing up a storm of songs full of mischief and mayhem. The lyrics generally focus on many aspects of a night out; from being 'on the pull' to facing the bouncers of a nightclub and even to the troublesome acts of the youth, with the odd poetic lyric adding a hint of romance to the mix. Ever present are the memorable guitar riffs and addictive drum beats that cause even the stiffest person to tap their foot.
I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
I'll always be fond of this track as it was the song that kick started my obsession with the Arctic Monkeys. Seemingly the most well known track on the album, it is a sure song to get me (as I'm sure many others) onto the dancefloor. The inescapable electric guitar introduction delves into the driven melody within the verse which then builds into a hyped up complete mosher of a song. Yes, mosher is my new word for songs that allow moshing to take place, or are moshable, per say.
Dancing Shoes
Although it's almost impossible to choose a favourite song by the Arctic Monkeys, Dancing Shoes is definitely one of my go-to tracks. Matt shows off the power of percussion with a compelling, hip gyrating driven beat as Alex sings "get on your dancing shoes, you sexy little swine" in his broad Yorkshire dialect. Oh, F.Y.I, he is totes talking to me there.
Still Take You Home
Presenting this track with the raw sound of an amplifier acclimatising and a tuning guitar, listeners are invited to enter a place in which songs are created and music is produced. The chords launch into another foot tapping song. With lyrics such as "you just probably areet but under these lights yo look beautiful" sung at a frenetic pace, Alex Turner uses his utterly charming voice to make generically unromantic lyrics cause girls to fall weak at the knees with the rebellious tone. Swoon.
When The Sun Goes Down
As the imperfect sound of the pick striking the strings of an acoustic guitar echoes, a voice singing wholesome lyrics starts off the song. Eh? Arctic Monkeys? Oh no, that isn't the Arctic Monkeys at all. Almost as soon as the stripped back music has begun, the mood deteriorates and the verse ends with the comment "he's a scum bag don't you know" reverting back to the 'I don't give a fuck' attitude that Alex Turner exudes effortlessly with his voice. A dischordent strike hits and we're off, hurled into a catchy riff and driving percussion force, immediately drawing Arctic Monkeys fans back to what we know best.
Six years on from it's release and I still consider Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not to be one of the best albums I have ever heard. The sheer abruptness of the lyrics sung in the addictive twang that Alex Turner uses to his advantage, the driving force of the drum beat pumping the songs along and the insanely cool style of guitar riffs and rhythms specific to the band create a perfect album.
Phew. Now my hand hurts but it's okay because my ears are well and truly satisfied.
♥mollie
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm NotArctic Monkeys
January 2006
Before the music even becomes part of a sound wave, the album cover (an unshaven man holding a cigarette to his mouth squinting smugly towards the camera lens) is already suggesting that the Arctic Monkeys are brewing up a storm of songs full of mischief and mayhem. The lyrics generally focus on many aspects of a night out; from being 'on the pull' to facing the bouncers of a nightclub and even to the troublesome acts of the youth, with the odd poetic lyric adding a hint of romance to the mix. Ever present are the memorable guitar riffs and addictive drum beats that cause even the stiffest person to tap their foot.
I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
I'll always be fond of this track as it was the song that kick started my obsession with the Arctic Monkeys. Seemingly the most well known track on the album, it is a sure song to get me (as I'm sure many others) onto the dancefloor. The inescapable electric guitar introduction delves into the driven melody within the verse which then builds into a hyped up complete mosher of a song. Yes, mosher is my new word for songs that allow moshing to take place, or are moshable, per say.
Dancing Shoes
Although it's almost impossible to choose a favourite song by the Arctic Monkeys, Dancing Shoes is definitely one of my go-to tracks. Matt shows off the power of percussion with a compelling, hip gyrating driven beat as Alex sings "get on your dancing shoes, you sexy little swine" in his broad Yorkshire dialect. Oh, F.Y.I, he is totes talking to me there.
Still Take You Home
Presenting this track with the raw sound of an amplifier acclimatising and a tuning guitar, listeners are invited to enter a place in which songs are created and music is produced. The chords launch into another foot tapping song. With lyrics such as "you just probably areet but under these lights yo look beautiful" sung at a frenetic pace, Alex Turner uses his utterly charming voice to make generically unromantic lyrics cause girls to fall weak at the knees with the rebellious tone. Swoon.
When The Sun Goes Down
As the imperfect sound of the pick striking the strings of an acoustic guitar echoes, a voice singing wholesome lyrics starts off the song. Eh? Arctic Monkeys? Oh no, that isn't the Arctic Monkeys at all. Almost as soon as the stripped back music has begun, the mood deteriorates and the verse ends with the comment "he's a scum bag don't you know" reverting back to the 'I don't give a fuck' attitude that Alex Turner exudes effortlessly with his voice. A dischordent strike hits and we're off, hurled into a catchy riff and driving percussion force, immediately drawing Arctic Monkeys fans back to what we know best.
Six years on from it's release and I still consider Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not to be one of the best albums I have ever heard. The sheer abruptness of the lyrics sung in the addictive twang that Alex Turner uses to his advantage, the driving force of the drum beat pumping the songs along and the insanely cool style of guitar riffs and rhythms specific to the band create a perfect album.
Phew. Now my hand hurts but it's okay because my ears are well and truly satisfied.
♥mollie
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