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!