Two Thousand And Seven [Part Three].

University today involved a lecture on Italian Neorealism and then an Italian film from 1949 called ‘Bicycle Thieves’ and now I have four days off. University life isn’t so hard after all, which should really mean I update my blog a lot due to all the free time, so that’s exactly what I am trying to do. The final 10 of top tracks 2007 is on the agenda today starting with 10 to 6.

10. M.I.A. – Paper Planes
Kala

Admittedly the discovery of my love for this song only came recently but it is that good it goes straight into the top 10 of tracks from 2007. M.I.A. is an artist that I never really “got” until the end of last year, but thankfully I did “get” her and really love this song.

9. Friendly Fires – Paris

Recently given 9 out of 10 by Drowned in Sound which is not easily done, this song really clicked me straight away. It actually reminds me of getting drunk at University last semester in my halls; therefore it reminds me of good times. Friendly Fires are an excellent band both on record and live and I truly expect 2008 to welcome Friendly Fires with open arms.

8. These New Puritans – Numbers/Colours
Beat Pyramid

This duo of songs came out of nowhere to me last October, thankfully they found my ears. The day I received them I heard about a free gig they were doing the very next day, to which I went along to and was furthered impressed by These New Puritans. ‘Numbers’ is my preference personally but take nothing away from the also ace ‘Colours’.

7. Foals – Hummer

This song had to be on this list, but I think Foals are keen to leave this song well and truly in 2007. Not included in the forthcoming album ‘Antidotes’ the band decided against including there first “smash hit”. I believe this to be a good move; we all have this song so there is no need to include it on the album. It also means we will receive a new song rather than this one which we all already know and love. Most importantly it means no re-release of this song, something I would not expect Yannis and co to be interested in, thank God.

6. Blood Red Shoes – I Wish I Was Someone Better
Box of Secrets

‘It’s Getting Boring by the Sea’ grabbed my attention of Blood Red Shoes; however ‘I Wish I Was Someone Better’ made me love Blood Red Shoes. Take nothing away from the first song, I think it is a cracking song but ‘I Wish’ is absolutely fantastic and sits well with the rest of the album which by the way is a stunning debut album.

Leaks Galore.

This here is my first post of 2008 and well it doesn't feel any different posting in 2008 than it did to posting 2007. The last time I communicated via this medium of communication Santa Claus was travelling through the skies, presents were being placed under the tree and the joys of Christmas were upon us. January is the month of depression, the month we realise we ate too much chocolates, stuffing and mince pies over the space of a few days. It's the month we read our bank statements to realise that Christmas has struck not only our bellies but our bank balance too. What could possibly cheer you up after all this gloom?

I have that very answer. I woke up at 4am this morning after dreaming it was December 23rd 2008 (how bizarre) and I as much as I tried I couldn't get back to sleep. The laptop was powered up and my eyes were ready for hours of browsing, upon browsing I discovered a wonderful present. 'Hold On Now, Youngster' the debut album by the fantastic Los Campesinos! I plugged in my new shiny BIG Sony headphones into my laptop and hoped that the album would fulfil their potential as a band. I won't give my opinion yet, as I've only listened once and it was at 4.34am however I will say fans of LC will not be disappointed.

Other leaks over Christmas that have delighted my ears include Vampire Weekend (new versions of M 79 and I Stand Corrected are excellent) and contender for debut album of 2008 (it's early, I know) Blood Red Shoes. Expect a post tomorrow and Sunday with my top tracks, albums and gigs of 2007. Then sadly it it is back to University to get on with my studies for a couple of months before returning home for Easter/my 20th Birthday (very fucking scary).

I'm So Distracted..

This update is a bit late admittedly however better late than never is what I always say! I saw Blood Red Shoes this time last week (well not at this exact time obviously), they were brilliant. No. They were AMAZING. At Reading I stood there watching them thinking “my god, why have I not latched onto this band yet”. However better late than never (ha) and now I am in love with them, the drummer is fucking frantically fast and just amazing. He pounds them drums so hard I worry about the sticks snapping. The girl is pretty bloody good too!

The gig was at Bush Hall which I’ve never been to before, it’s a lovely venue and looks like a theatre. First on was Tinseltown, who I have mentioned previously on my blog – I definitely think they have a lot to offer as a band however some songs were a bit flat live. Saying that I think they have some great songs so still think they can change my opinion of them live!

Elle Milano were next up on stage, and as expected they were ace. I’ve seen them twice since being in London and they have never let me down. I expect big things from them for the rest of this year and next year, with the album out in the New Year, 2008 must be the year for them. All the new songs sound just as good as the old ones, and the old ones sound just as good as they did two years ago, if not better.

Blood Red Shoes blew the two previous bands away though (hence why they were headlining, duh). They make music which is loud, hard, fast and in your face! Just how we want it really! They also have the vocals to back up the music, with both members: Laura-Mary (Guitar) and Steven (Drums) singing it just compliments the great noise they make. I can’t get enough of this band, I can listen to the songs all day long and just tap my foot away to every beat and chord, and they make me want to rock out (insert rock hand symbol here).

If you’ve never seen Blood Red Shoes, you should definitely go see them even if you’ve never heard one song before because I guaran-damn-tee (as The Rock would say) it that you will fucking love them.

Blood Red Shoes - ADHD
Blood Red Shoes - Stitch Me Back