Entries about pleasure

==Where Words Fail, Music Speaks== Hans Christian Anderson

Music is a way of life. It shapes your moods and thoughts, opens your mind and lets your imagination run wild.
Since being abroad, my ipod has been my best friend, providing hours of entertainment on many train, plane, bus and car rides. I also have this app, Deezer, which I would highly recommend for those like myself who are restricted technologically to download music. I pay $10 per month for unlimited access to music which you can stream online or make available offline by saving your favourite songs/albums. So, I thought I’d compile a list of my favourite artists I’ve discovered this year.

This is the soundtrack to my life.

1- All This Bad Blood – BASTILLE
Without doubt, the best album I’ve ever listened to. An up and coming indie-synth London band has absolutely nailed how to create an album you can keep on repeat. Dan Smith’s (my future husband by the way) incredibly unique vocals are memorizing, leaving you hanging onto each breath he takes. The clever lyrics are meaningful, quirky and intelligent making them refreshingly beautiful to listen to.
I had the absolute privilege of seeing BASTILLE in Munich where they played in an industrial warehouse. The acoustics were excellent, there’s nothing better than feeling the bass in your chest. Seeing them perform live brought a whole new light to their name. The atmosphere they create is sublime and the feeling is etched into your heart and soul.
My Picks

Overjoyed – Creates a sensitive, evocative emotion with the clean piano and passionate vocals.
Weight of Living, Pt. I – Purely for its lyricism. The reference to famous English poet Samuel Coleridge “Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” is prominent and the combination of one of my favourite romantic poets with such honest lyrics and music, it is so enjoyable to listen to.
Flaws – Catchy chorus, simple chord progressions and lyrics, makes it an easy listen whilst giving you a sense of empowerment from the layering and united voices.

2- The 1975 (Self – Titled)
An indie rock band with cool style, haircuts, cheeky lyrics, guitar riffs and slurred words, give this Manchester band an effortlessly sexy, alternative vibe. All of their songs have a similar electronic, synth theme, making it harder to individually identify songs, nevertheless, doesn’t detract from the great compilation of this self-titled album.
After watching numerous of their youtube videos, I feel I’ve come to understand the style of the band. The lead singer doesn’t have technically strong vocals, but definitely has a unique voice with his accent very prominent. He freely slurs his words emphasizing the sex appeal of this band and with an attractive lead singer, they can’t really go wrong.

My Picks
Sex – Edgy guitar riffs, passionate voice, and suggestive lyrics it makes you feel sexy and full of energy.
Robbers – A more theatrical song that takes you on a journey of pain and passion. The effect of his voice is slightly echoed and dull until the chorus where his voice seems desperate and passionate, leading towards a climax at the end of the song where his vocals explode and the song is much fuller.

3- Long Way Down – Tom Odell
This album is technically beautiful, with his almost perfect execution of vocals, guitars and the piano. He has a very unique sound with pretty melodies combined with clashing, not so traditional harmonies, unsettling to hear at first, however, once you begin to understand his style and incredible talent it is strangely beautiful. My favourite aspect of him is the prominent combination of soft, elegant piano chords with his rather husky, full voice.

My Picks
Grow Old With Me – A sweet song with sweet lyrics.
Another Love – More passionate and moving. His almost sad moans are full of emotion accentuating the incredible talent possessed by such a young man.

4- AM – Arctic Monkeys
You really cannot go wrong with these English rockers. The Monkeys new album differs from their previous classic rock albums, the vibe still prominent, however, now complete with sexy bass lines and quirky (sometimes considered thoughtless) lyrics.
This album was the first encounter I had with The Arctic Monkeys and I was thoroughly impressed. You can leave this album on repeat. These guys are definitely on my list of bands to see.
My Picks
Do I Wanna Know? – Edgy, simple, slightly grungy with a strong chorus.
Arabella – Obvious sexy bassline that gets your foot tapping to every beat.

I’ve loved listening to these great English bands, I just can’t get enough. I’m always open for suggestions so please feel free to share.
And just a random fact about my music listening habits, if I’m checking out a new band/album, I pretty much judge it based on their number 5 song. I don’t know why, but track 5 always seems to be a good one, and it’s very rare that this theory doesn’t work out.
Peace and keep on rockin

Xxx
A