As I am writing this post I am
listening to 'Blackstar', Bowie's final gift to the world. Can I just
say, Bowie was a phenomenal character, a true showman, a pioneer, a
visionary and an artist. R.I.P.
I don't hide the fact from anyone who
knows me that I have a massive soft spot for bro/sis bands,
especially the mighty fine Angus and Julia Stone. Maybe because my
early early teens (12), my own sister and I were that close making it
a band, conveniently named 'Brother&Sister'. So when I heard that
'Lastings' were also a bro/sis duo I almost wept. How can these
families have so much musical talent, when mine, whilst full amazing
people, have none?
On Facebook they list their genre as
dreamy. Hit the nail on the head there. Amy and Joshua Dowdle, who
make up Aussie duo 'Lastlings' have grabbed a bit of attention
lately. They have been played on Triple J and performed at a few
festivals. Their track 'Chills' will do just that. As you lay back
into a fluffy cloud, Amy's angel like voice will calm the soul. I
have had this on repeat for nearly 24 hrs (until 'Blackstar') and I
ain't over it yet. Their other available tracks 'Verona' and
'Wavelength' are equally as pleasant, full of glossy comforting
synths and beautiful vocals. The Gold Coast siblings are unsigned at
present, and have a few tracks up on both Soundcloud and Unearthed
for you to check out. They have also just released an EP called 'Unreality' just the other day that shows two new songs. you can listen here I see big things from them. They are only new
to the game and Amy is still in high school. Just wait and see, but
I'm sure the Aussie music scene will embrace them and we will all
know their name soon enough. Look how cool they are!
Chills
Verona
Wavelength
Sunday 10 January 2016
SUNDAY MORNING SONG
One for Sunday mornings, when you have
absolutely nothing planned except rolling around in the sheets
dreaming about the good life. Where all the big problems in your
existence disappear for just a moment, and the only big decision is
whether you should skip breakfast to have a giant lunch. Whilst all
theses lovely activities and peachy thinking is happening, blast
Borns and Petite Meller's cover of the ever soon chilled classic
Sunday Morning from Velvet Underground. The original may be in my top
five favourite songs of all time, but this cover just adds a little
more sparkle to it. The duet doesn't try and change the song, and why
would they? It's perfect! Instead they just sing it with a smile and
create a little bit of magic.
Borns and Meller's voices just swoon
together like two birds in an enchanted forest. Creating the perfect
contrast between their tones. Borns with the lows and Meller with the
surprisingly highs. It's just cute, cute, cute! Listen below to only
a short snippet of this track and you will just get me..
I have been a fan of Borns for a while
now and was planning on doing a piece on this California style,
rock/dance/folk/pop master mind. Borns or birthed as Garret Borns,
moved from LA from Michigan where he got signed to Interscope and
just recently released his debut album Dopamine. His music is gutsy
and strong but with a cool edge on it. Something you can listen to
whilst at a party, with the windows down in the car or whilst jumping
on your bed. So versatile!
My favourite songs/ mainly his singles
are Electric Love and the brilliant 10,000 Emerald Pools which you
will fall in love with after one listen. I also really like American
Money which is very sexy.
Check them out below.
ELECTRIC LOVE
10,000 Emerald Pools
AMERICAN MONEY
As for Petite Meller, I've only really
started to check her out. She seems pretty massive on the net so who
knows I may do a post on her soon enough.
Sunday 3 January 2016
My Top 5 albums of 2015
It's only fitting that at the end of
the year you sit back and reflect. It's healthy to remember all the
good, and look back on stuff that happened cause it's all part of
life. Whilst reflecting with a hangover and a massive food baby, I
came up with my five favourite albums released in 2015 that have
been with me through thick and thin last year. In no particular
order-
1
Alabama shakes- Sound and colour
Released 21st of April 2015
This album is the second instalment
from these bluesy rock gods, and man oh man did it not disappoint!
Their first album was an obsession, so when 'Sound and Colour' was
released I had the highest hopes. Brittany Howard's voice just
demands to be heard throughout the album, and has all the hooks and
turns you would expect. It's groovy beyond your wildest dreams, with
tracks like 'Don't Wanna Fight' and 'Shoegaze'. Then it knocks you
out with its heavier side with 'The Greatest'. When you need a rest,
this album has got you covered with tracks like 'This Feeling'
mellowing you out and givin' ya dem feelz.
An album that
doesn't let you down and allows you to listen from start to finish
taking you on a roller coaster ride without the vomit.
2
Jarryd James- Thirty One
Released 11th of September
2015
'Do You Remember' stole our hearts,
making Aussie Jarryd James a big deal. Thirty One just proved the
high would stay. It's cool, so cool. From the sexy beats, to James’s
voice smoothly flowing out the speakers. It's full of gold, from
'Underneath', 'Sure Love' and ' Giving It Up' all speaking raw
emotions, but at the same time helping your body to move in ways you
want it to move. There is a beautiful duet with Aussie sweetheart
Julia Stone, 'Regardless'. Which may be my
favourite track on the album due to their voices just working
perfectively together. The album in its entirety is great, you won’t
next any tracks and it's better with a glass of whisky.
James is still humble and you know he
is all about the music. Congrats mate and thank you!
3
Florence and the Machine- How big, How
blue, How beautiful
Released 29th of May 2015
Oh Flo, you beauty. Full of harrowing
lyrics of love, pain and self destruction, the voice of an Angel and
percussion used to perfection, 'How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful' is
a mighty fine piece of work. After some time away from the spotlight
Florence Welsh tumbled through life, helping her to find herself just
that little more and writing her most personal lyrics to date. 'Ship
To Wreck' is a about being on a spiral of only damage. Something
Welsh went through when she first moved out from her parent's nest. I
think of power when I think of Florence. Her voice, her phrasing, her
use of instruments is just so grand that it can overpower the
strongest of characters. This album is different to the rest of her
work but at the same time very familiar. It's heavier and gutsier but
beautiful.
4
Rhodes – Wishes
Released 18th of September
2015
This album is a creeper. I first
discovered this blonde Englishman when he and Birdy released their
perfectly crafted duet “Let It All Go' in August. Straight away I
wanted to know him and discovered his music. I listened to a few of
his tracks then jumped onto something else. Then a month later he
released 'Wishes', I didn't grab it straight away but when I did, I
laid on my bed and listened to it right through. I was so impressed
with his story telling, tone and production of each song. September
was a busy music month so I didn't straight away give it the listen
it deserved. But as I said this album is a creeper, I just kept
coming back to it when I felt in one of those droopy moods. It takes
you somewhere else, and speaks to you with so much love and
understanding. Rhodes said he wrote the whole album being locked away
in his room for two years. You can tell it's vulnerable, intense and
self conscious, but deep in thought. It makes you feel like you are
floating through each track. 'Breathe', 'Somebody' and 'You and I'
are beautiful tracks that need to be heard. 'Wishes' is a strong
album that doesn't over power in any way but if you take your time
and get to know it you will be so happy.
5
Years and Years- Communion
Released 10th of July 2015
Years and years ago I stumbled across
this energetic group on Vimeo, with a song called 'I wish I Knew'. It
was 2012 and they were basically unknown. This song got under my skin
something major and I instantly loved them! This song itself is in my
top 25 played on iTunes still to this day. Even know they don't claim
that song anymore (signed to a new label, less two members and were
looking for a different sound), I still followed every single
release. 2015 we were finally graced with a SHINEy new debut album
that is fit for any KING. It's glorious, full of beautifully pieced
lyrics bouncing off synths and killer beats. Olly's voice is magic,
and can fits nicely in a clubs setting or simply in your bedroom.
'Eyes Shut' is my stand out track, it give's me chills. But there are
plenty of tracks such as 'Worship', 'King' and 'Take Shelter' that
make you want to jump up and down. This album is full of layers. It
needs to be heard more than once. First listen will get you going
like “Damn this is some catchy shit”. Second listen you will be
bopping away like its Christmas. But once you start to delve a little
deeper you will uncover some beautiful stories full of meaning,
heartbreak and uncertainty. I love albums that aren't just picture
books. Do yourself a favour and get 'Communion' for either that party
vibe or for some solid great tunes.
