25 of my favourite studio albums

Now then, one thing that I love doing is making lists. Really. I have lists about all sorts and all over the place. I have a list of bands I've seen live, a list of films I want to see, a list of christmas gifts, a list of boys names I like, a list of things to do, and this here is a list of lists I have. SO, I thought I might share with you all, a list of my favourite albums. I've limited it to 25 but I love so many more. Also, I've stuck to studio albums, but there are EP's and B-side albums that I love just as much as some of the following. A couple of these might warrant a little mention, we'll see how I feel. Here goes.

 

 Sam's Town, The Killers

Just to clarify, this list is not in order. This is my favourite album though, very closely tied with Hot Fuss. I don't believe I need to mention that The Killers are my favourite band/ thing in the world so it's no surprise then that they're top of my list. Each song on this album is fantastic, really anthemic and BIG. I can't fault it at all. Favourite track: Read My Mind.

 

Hot Fuss, The Killers

 This is a very close second place in my personal favourites. It's the first of The Killers albums and it's the first album that I became truly obsessed with. Muck like "Sam's Town", I love every song on this album and there's not a thing about it I would change, every track is rated 5 stars. It's so interesting to hear the progression of the band since this album, which has a very British/ indie sound. Favourite track: Midnight Show.

Brothers, The Black Keys

I've only fairly recently come across The Black Keys and I'm so pleased that I did. Their sound is so cool and different, they sound-- sexy. Dan Auerbach's voice is so raw and I really can't compare it to anything I've heard before. Favourite track: Unknown Brother.

El Camino, The Black Keys 

 This album is fantastic! From the very first track it just makes you want to move! The songs are so catchy, good old fashioned rock & roll. There's something about the combination of Dan Auerbach's voice and the massive guitar riffs, that just oozes cool. The track "Little Black Submarines" is a beauty. It starts off acoustic and then explodes into an amazing riff halfway through. So powerful. Favourite track: Lonely Boy.

 

Straight No Chaser, Mr Hudson

I went through a real "Mr Hudson" phase a cuople of years ago and I really like his sound. I don't know what genre you would define him as. He works with a lot of rappers and R'n'B artists, but amongst them he's sort of juxtaposed. I've seen him live several times too and he never fails to disappoint. Unfortunately, he appears to be a bit of a knob. Favourite track: Time.

 

While We're Young, Pegasus Bridge

You might not be too familiar with Pegasus Bridge, although I'm pretty sure you'll have heard them at some point. They've been played on Made In Chelsea and, I believe, some of the recent Olympic coverage. The unfortunate thing is that now, the band are no more. However, this is one of my favourite albums from the past couple of years. It's pretty easy listening and the lyrics are ace. Finding it very difficult to choose a favourite track so I'll mention two, because I can. Favourite tracks: Violence and Paris.
 

808's & Heartbreak, Kanye West

I'm not really into rap, fair enough I am shit hot at reciting the entirity of Jay-Z's 99 Problems on a night out, but that's about as far as it goes. I do, however, really like Kanye West. I know a lot of people really don't like his attitude, but I find him refreshing I guess. This is my favourite of his albums, purely because it sounds so different form his earlier stuff. Favourite track: Say You Will.
 

Happiness, Hurts

Hurts are a brilliant British band. They are so dramatic and theatrical, and one of my favourite acts to see live. They had their own opera singer with them on tour, who only added to their startling on stage presence. This album is packed with anthemic songs, some fairly depressing! They are definitely worthy of a listen, they're so beautiful. Favourite track: Stay.

 

Vices & Virtues, Panic! At The Disco

This is the band's first album since two of their original members left. I was really surprised about how much I liked it. Brendon Urie's voice is SO American sounding, the album couldn't be mistaken for anyone else. I really enjoy it, it's full of catchy numbers. Favourite track: Hurricane.

 

A Fever You Can't Sweat Out, Panic! At The Disco

Their first album. This album just reminds me of high school and I seem to recall it was the first album I came across without input from friends or family. I still love this album today, it's one of those albums that I know every word to, and every little harmony, and every little break in the music. Some of the songs are so packed full of words, it's a wonder how they fit into a song. A good old nostalgic listen, for me anyway. Favourite track: But It's Better If You Do. 

 

Flamingo, Brandon Flowers

Do you ever listen to an album for the first time and think... "meh". Then you give it a chance and then suddenly you can't stop listening to it and then you find yourself wondering, "how did I ever live without this album in my life?!" That's this album. There's only one track on this record that I still don't really like. The rest of it is now an integral part of my musical life! Brandon (whom I will openly admit I'm in love with) is so full of soul. The lyrics are phenomenal. It's not The Killers, but it's a lovely alternative. Favourite track: Only The Young. 

 

Darwin Deez, Darwin Deez

I came across Darwin Deez completely by accident, at Dot to Dot Festival. They're such an interesting band, very indie/alternative. They're just a lot of fun. Favourite track: The Bomb Song.

 

Songs About Jane, Maroon 5

A lot of people take the piss out of liking Maroon 5, but at the end of the day, they're just good old fashioned pop. Their songs are so catchy, even now, but I love their first album, aswell as the nostalgia it brings about. This is a classic "singing to yourself in the mirror with a hairbrush microphone" album. Yeah, I do that sometimes. Favourite track: Sunday Morning.

 

Incredibad, The Lonely Island 

This is the only comedy album on my list, or as they would call it, fake rap. It's hilarious and I'm proud to say I can quote you the entire thing (although, I'm not sure how cool that makes me). Favourite track: Lazy Sunday ft. Chris Parnell.

 

Let It Bleed, The Rolling Stones

Mick Jagger to me is the epitome of cool. The way he conducted himself, the way he dressed, the way he spoke and the way he performed, all appeal to me greatly. He's such an icon, I just adore him. Let It Bleed is my favourite Stones album, although I'm not 100% sure why this is the case. Some of my favourite Stones tracks are on this album and I think their late 60's sound is the start of their musical appeal to me. Plus, I love a good ol' Jagger dance. Favourite track: (there's no way I could choose, they're both so great in different ways) Love in Vain and Gimme Shelter.

 

Sticky Fingers, The Rolling Stones

Again, this is the era of The Rolling Stones that most appeals to me, late 60's, early 70's. This album includes some really amazing music, and again some of my favourite Stones songss. Favourite track: Wild Horses.

 

Lungs, Florence & The Machine

 I seem to have an aversion to female musicians, especially within bands. I'm the same with actresses, I struggle to connect with femal figures. In the case of Florence though, this is not true. I truly believe that Lungs is one of the best albums to come out of the UK for a good few years. I love every track. I relate to a lot of the songs, and not in the horrible teen "Taylor Swift" sort of way. Florence has a stunning voice and I love her overall look. Another thing about this album that I really enjoy, is the use of classical instruments. A harp compliments Florence's style far too well. Favourite track: Drumming.
 

Rubber Soul, The Beatles

In terms of sixties megabands, I'm very much team Rolling Stones. But, I do still really like The Beatles. I was introduced to The Beatles way before The Stones, but I always feel there's something more about The Stones that appeals to my personality. Rubber Soul though, is a fantastic album. I don't know why it's my favourite above the other Beatles albums, I just find myself listening to it more often than the others. Favourite track: In My Life.

 

These Streets, Paolo Nutini

A lot of people don't like Paolo Nutini and I still struggle to see why. I really like his style. He's another one of my early musical finds and I still really enjoy listening to him. I prefer his first album to his second, although I must admit, the latter, Sunny Side Up really grew on me. Favourite track: Autumn.

 

Battle Born, The Killers

A very recent, but worthy addition to my list of favourite albums. This was a grower. At first I liked it, kind of. Now I flippin' love it. Granted, I don't like it as much as the earlier albums, but it's The Killers. I'm just so full of excitement about anything new they do and it's AMAZING how much Brandon's voice has progressed. I find myself feeling very proud of the band when I listen to this, they've come a long way. And they are the most amazing live act I've ever seen. Favourite track: The Way It Was. (Closely followe by Be Still).

 

Continuum, John Mayer

Ah, John Mayer. I always seem to forget how much I love John Mayer. Every now and then, though, I rediscover him and fall in love with his music all over again. Continuum is my favourite of his albums, but really I love all of them (except Born & Raised, I am yet to give that one a chance). Favourite track: Slow Dancing In A Burning Room.

 

A Present For Everyone, Busted

Now, before you judge me for this, STOP IT. There's nothing wrong with a bit of pop, and lord knows, I love a good boyband (One Direction are shit though). In year six, Busted were my shit! I loved them, my bedroom was literally wallpapered with magazines of their faces! Although my musical taste may have progressed slightly since then, I'm still proud to say I liked Busted. I love a cheesy sing-a-long to a band we thought were "bad and edgy" back in the day. There's nothing wrong with a bit of childish reminiscing, especially when we're singing about time travelling, boners, air hostess' and fantasies about high school teachers. Favourite track: Fake.

 

Call Me Irresponsible, Michael Buble

Everyone's got a soft spot for Buble, right? The man is just so smooth. So suave. I love a bit of Buble and, me and my dad loved playing this album in the car for about a year. Classic times. Favourite track: It Had Better Be Tonight (Meglio Stasera).

 

An End Has A Start, Editors

I haven't listened to Editors for ages! This is such a good album, as is The Back Room. I first came across Editors thanks to a Live Lounge session on Radio 1. They did an acoustic version of An End Has A Start and it really appealed to me at the time. Tom Smith has such a unique voice and I find their sound quite-- refreshing. Favourite track: Escape The Nest.

 

Day & Age, The Killers

And finally, yes it's another Killers album. This is the least popular of their studio releases, I guess because it's so different to the rest of their music. I think though, because it was around the time of this release that I really started getting into The Killers, I didn't really notice the difference so much. I think this album is fantastic. It might not be as strong as Hot Fuss and Sam's Town, but there are still some amazing songs on this record and I wish people would give it more credit. Favourite track: Goodnight, Travel Well.

So then, there you have my top 25. I may make a later post about albums/ EP's/ B-sides/ rarities that didn't make it, who knows! Whadd'ya reckon then?

Simply having a wonderful christmas time.

It's that time of year again!
A time when we all come together, united in our hatred for the cold. When we see more of our loved ones and double check their envelopes for monetary gifts, (surely, this isn't just me?!). It's christmas, or at least, December, which if you're a student like me, means you've probably had your tree up since the last week of November.

I write this post with a, hefty, smug grin on my face because, after tomorrow, I have four weeks off. Four weeks of parental support and family food-pity. It's the time of year when I come home and my nanna says, "You've lost weight, are you not eating properly? Have a mince pie, in fact, I'll make your favourite-- meat & potato pie" I can't wait to get home!

This is my second year experiencing a student christmas, but this year really doesn't even compare to the last one. At this time last year, I still didn't have any proper friends here and I was keen to be at home all the time, I wasn't in a good place then and looking back, I'm embarrassed about how miserable I was last christmas. This year, I'm happily unattached and I'm the most confident I've ever been. I have amazing friends now and everything just feels hugely more positive. This year I'm looking forward to going home and being able to tell everyone what a fantastic time I'm having, I'm having the time of my life.

I can't wait to get home and see my dad, and make sure he knows I grateful I am of him being so amazing. I can't wait to go visit my mum and just have one on one time, tell her all about my friends and relationships. I can't wait to wrap all her xmas presents to the family as she is a "crap wrapper". I'm looking forward to seeing the difference in my oldest sister, just nine weeks away from having her baby. I'm looking forward to being there for her in person, not just over the phone. I can't wait to see my niece, so she can tell me all about her dramatic first term at high school! I can't wait to see my nephews who just get bigger and brighter every time I see them. I'm looking forward to seeing the southern half of the family, on their visit up North! My newlywed sister and her little boy, who loses his Yorkshire accent a little more, each time I see him. I have everything crossed that my favourite cousin will make it over from Australia, that'll make my year.

I just can't wait to be back in Yorkshire, where it's always colder but I don't mind, I just love being at home. Bring on New Year's eve with the Northern lot.

I already can't wait for next year's christmas party. Merry (early) Christmas!

The greatest day of my life so far..

Those of you that know me will know that I only have one real obsession, one thing which I get over excited about without fail. One thing that I could gladly talk about for hours and not run out of things to say. One thing that I can fit around any mood or emotion I'm feeling. I am, of course, referring to The Killers. And when I first saw them last year, that was the happiest day of my life, a day that I didn't think could necessarily get any better. I was wrong.

 

I initially got into The Killers in 2008, back when I was in High School. I liked a young man back then called Jonny, who had recommended them to me in an attempt to expand my musical interest. I can still remember the night that he sent me their entire discography over MSN, to which I immediately listened and found that many of the songs I already half knew or were at least familiar. From then on I didn't listen to much else, at least until the songs were imprinted in my head. It was this time that really set my interest in music going and for this, I will always thank my lovely friend Jonny (whom I love very much).

 

Last year then, my excitement reached unfamiliar levels when I managed to get us tickets to Hard Rock Calling in London's Hyde Parke, which The Killers were headlining. You can read my ramblings about that day, on my old blog. This year the countdown once again began as I secured myself and Jonny tickets to see them on the UK leg of their Battle Born tour, on which they would be playing songs from their new album of the same name.

 

We got tickets for the Sheffield show, 8th November 2012. (I had originally tried to get tickets to see them in Manchester, however now, I'm sort of glad I didn't as they've had to re-schedule both Manchester dates due to Brandon being unwell).

 

I met Jonny in Sheffield at lunch time, with the intention to head straight to the arena and wait it out. Jonny convinced me that it, being November, might be better to kill sometime indoors before freezing outside for hours. I reluctantly agreed but knew he was right! We headed to the arena around 4.30pm and to our surprise there was noone really about. We had a bit of a wait, during which I made some terrible puns involving our current situation and Killers lyrics, much to Jonny's disgust delight.

 

Finally the doors opened and the people poured in. We had tickets for standing so we didn't even look at the merch stand, we just headed straight for the stage. Much to my pleasure, we managed to get very near the stage, about three rows from the barrier on the right hand side (having pre-discussed Mark's reluctance to interact with the crowd and Brandon's favouring of the right side of the stage, we chose Dave's side). Right now, I could whine about how achey we were after standing and waiting for several hours, but after a show like that, you quickly forget the pain.

 

The support act was Tegan & Sara, who weren't unbearable however I do believe they forgot the name of the city. At this stage anyway, I was growing impatient to see the main attraction.

 

The crowd roared at the appearance of the lightning bolt synth stand that has replaced the "K" that has been with the band throughout previous years of touring. And as the stage began to take to a more familiar shape, the crowd began stirring with excitement, impatience and anticipation. At this point, the lights should have dropped and the walk on music should have started, the crowd should have screamed and whistled and the band should have appeared to this electric atmosphere. But.. that's not exactly what happened.

 

With the full stadium lights still on and with the crowd still a whirr of chatter, Ronnie wandered onto the stage. The whole crowd seemed to do a double-take and as the rest of the band followed, we all errupted into abrubt applause and cheering. On stage, they all looked at eachother, bewildered and amused, which to me signals that they may have been given a false stage call and come on a bit early. They laughed amongst themselves before bursting into Mr. Brightside.

 

The full lights stayed on the whole way through the song, which was quite strange. It meant that we got to see Brandon and his leather jacket in full light though, which I am not complaining about.

After that they played The Way It Was, my favourite of their new songs. I squealed like a child. As expected, mine and Jonny's planning payed off, as Brandon seemed to spend the majority of his time on our side of the stage. As you can imagine, this pleased me very much as, in my opinion, Mr. Flowers is in his prime right now, and the whole leather jacket look he's got going on just kills me. The night was full of surprises and new experiences, from new setlist changes to an awesome bass solo from Mark. My favourite surprise though was something that I'd mentioned to Jonny earlier in the day as something "they never do". As Brandon assessed the crowd I wondered what he had planned. It was only as I watched him carefully remove his wedding ring and put it safely in his pocket that I realised what was going on. He was going to jump down and offer himself to the grabbing hands of the front rows of the crowd. My eyes widened and I screeched the situation to Jonny. With the crowd quickly cottoning on to what was happening, there was a huge surge forward and as Brandon jumped down, I'm not ashamed to say I pushed forward with every bit of energy I had in my body. My hand was about 5 inches from Brandon's, at our closest point, but I had eye contact with him!
 Another great moment was when they played Here With Me, encouraging the crowd to hold up lights/ cameras/ phones. It looked amazing, really beautiful. None of my pictures do it justice though, and I can't find a HD video. Trust me, it was ace.

A song that I particularly enjoyed live despite it not really being a favourite of mine, was From Here On Out, I think because Brandon really got the crowd to interact, repeating "from here on out!" several times and having the crowd echo it back in different ways. And of course, there were bits of the show that will never change and are expected at a Killers concert. One example of this is right before the drop in Human, which is one of my favourite live tracks. In the first verse you feel the tension building right up to the last "and I'm on my knees, looking for the answer, are we human? or are we dancer?" before Brandon roars "COME ON!" and the crowd goes insane. That's one of the bits I look forward to most in a Killers show!

A bit of a shock for me was their choice of encore song. I guess I'm so used to them playing All These Things That I've Done, going off, coming back, playing a few songs and then finishing with When You Were Young. But not this time! Oh no! They played WYWY right before the encore, about which I expressed my shock to a bemused Jonny. It was during the massive guitar bit towards the end of the song that the confetti cannons exploded and millions of shiny "K" and "ϟ" symbols scattered across the ocean of people. (I have a massive handful of them at home). This is what I like to call the euphoria moment.

They disappeared for a few minutes before returning to the entirity of the crowd chanting "I got soul". They re-started with A Matter Of Time, which we'd previously heard them rehearsing (a lot) when we were waiting outside. This was followed by Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine, All These Things That I've Done, finishing with Battle Born. After playing the last song, the music continued whilst Brandon introduced each other member one by one. "You may have felt things in places you care not to mention, it's okay, I felt it too, don't be ashamed, it's just the bass from Mark Stoermer!" and "This is not an illusion, this is the real David Brent Keuning, in the flesh!". I can't remember exactly what he said about Ronnie, I can only remember how nuts he went on the drums after. He finally announced "We are The Killers, brought to you by way of fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada" before they all grouped together on stage and bowing- another first for me as I've never seen them do that before. They bowed and waved before filtering off stage, Brandon first. Ronnie last, after launching his drum sticks into the crowd who roared one last time. And that was it, they were gone.

The lights came on and it was over. The floor, now carpeted with shiny confetti and the lightning bolt that once glowed, now dark and lifeless. It was over but I wasn't sad, I was still shaking with excitement. I was still ecstatic.

The train journey home gave me chance to evaluate the day. It was the best day of my life, I think.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ♥

A drink or two and we're best friends

Drink is the greatest social lubricant. I've got to know my friends so much better at uni thanks to my little friend rum. This isn't to say that I rely on it, however I do believe it makes for a better night. I know a few people who don't drink, by choice. Fair enough, but I've had a few sober nights out since coming back to uni and I just don't know how people do it. Being the sober friend is definitely not for me, it's horrendous. At least if I've had a drink I don't notice how annoying we all are!

This picture was a Monday afternoon at 3 O'clock. My lovely friends and I decided that uni was done for the day. We proceeded to buy 4 bottles of rum and make "cocktails". By 8pm we had peaked and Alec and I were sharing the toilet to be sick. I was in bed by 9. This aside, it was one of the best days I've had in ages! As the rum flowed so did the conversation- okay not all of it meaningful, a lot of it was drunk bullshit. However the (mostly) wonderful effect of alcohol is that generally we share more together after a drink. I don't think I'd know half as much about Alec, for example, if we hadn't started drinking together more this year! And surely that has to be a good thing. I enjoy being around my friends sober though, obviously, just not when everyone else is drunk around me!

 

 

Feels like home.

So the second year of my degree is well underway now and already I feel much more settled than I felt for the whole of last year. Now, instead of living in what was pretty much a glass box of student flats, all looking in on each other like some sort of weird, 24 hour peep show, I actually live in a house. My own house. A house I share with 4 other (relatively) normal people.

It's a million times better than living in halls, and my halls were genuinely one of the best accomodations you could've lived in. It's just not the same as having your own house though. In halls, it's not really your space, no matter how many posters and photos you put up. Each room is the same. Each room is a standard box. My house though, has character and charm.

We're living in an old victorian property in, what i'm sure was once upon a time, a nice area of Nottingham. Okay so, the area's a bit dodgy, but what do you expect in student housing? I won't mention that we live next door to two recovering alcoholics, or that we live opposite the drug & drink rehabilitation centre. No, I definitely won't mention that.

None of that matters though. Inside my house I feel safe. I can shut out the world and be alone in my own space. In my case, my own space (or my bedroom) is the largest in the house. We're talking BIG. I have the front, first floor bedroom that stretches the width of the house. This room couldn't be any further away from the glasshouse, impersonal, typified student box that I inhabited last year. This room has character and feels well lived in. It has a wood floor and a high ceiling, along with my bay window that comfortably houses a sofa. I have a huge, well worn desk, perfect for me- what with my painting and model making. And of course, the essential double bed.

I love my room. I love my house. I generally just love being able to come home to my own house and spend time with people in who's company I feel totally comfortable. The essential difference from last years accomodation is that this place actually feels like home. (when we can afford to put the heating on, anyway).

 



Yorkshire wellies.

Made myself a mobile from old 80's records.

 



My pet plant, considering calling it Norman.

My prized 80's records.