Wednesday, 3 March 2010
New Music Releases: 1st March 2010
Singles
Boyzone - Gave It All Away
The latest single from Boyzone features vocals from Stephen Gately before his death last year. A nice ballad, which is sure to do well as it is a tribute song, however the album will undoubtedly do better being released near Mothers Day.
Mumford & Sons – The Cave (7”)
Mumford & Sons release the next single from their debut album. I am sure this has been used on TV at some point and therefore might seem familiar to some. A steady start leads on to a more upbeat final minute. Superb song from a super album.
Daisy Dares You – Number One Enemy
16 year old Daisy releases her debut song which features Chipmunk. Having heard the version without him I prefer it much much better, Chipmunk seems to ruin this. However overall an infectious song guranteed to stay in your head for the rest of the day.
Albums
Alphabeat – The Beat Is…
After Alphabeat left their first record label they decided to redesign themselves for this album. Out went the catchy pop style and was replaced with an early 90's dance feel. This however doesn't seem to have caught on with the British public and with latest single 'Hole In My Heart' scraping into the top 30 it's not looking good for the Danes. However this album is impressive and is a grower for sure.
Ellie Goulding – Lights
After winning the BBC Sound of 2010 poll, the pressure was on Ellie to improve on last years winner Little Boots. She has done this with considerate ease. Debut single Starry Eyed is Top 5 and this album is on course for Number 1. Every song is listenable and certainly a contender for album of the year. Gig report will come when I see her in April.
Turin Brakes - Outbursts
Thank God for Take That! After Turin Brakes revealed the royalties they have got from writing a song on a Take That album has paid for this latest offering then it is money well spent. A superb album, better to chill out to then have a good headbang. Such a shame it won't sell much as it is certainly a hidden gem.
Boyzone - Gave It All Away
The latest single from Boyzone features vocals from Stephen Gately before his death last year. A nice ballad, which is sure to do well as it is a tribute song, however the album will undoubtedly do better being released near Mothers Day.
Mumford & Sons – The Cave (7”)
Mumford & Sons release the next single from their debut album. I am sure this has been used on TV at some point and therefore might seem familiar to some. A steady start leads on to a more upbeat final minute. Superb song from a super album.
Daisy Dares You – Number One Enemy
16 year old Daisy releases her debut song which features Chipmunk. Having heard the version without him I prefer it much much better, Chipmunk seems to ruin this. However overall an infectious song guranteed to stay in your head for the rest of the day.
Albums
Alphabeat – The Beat Is…
After Alphabeat left their first record label they decided to redesign themselves for this album. Out went the catchy pop style and was replaced with an early 90's dance feel. This however doesn't seem to have caught on with the British public and with latest single 'Hole In My Heart' scraping into the top 30 it's not looking good for the Danes. However this album is impressive and is a grower for sure.
Ellie Goulding – Lights
After winning the BBC Sound of 2010 poll, the pressure was on Ellie to improve on last years winner Little Boots. She has done this with considerate ease. Debut single Starry Eyed is Top 5 and this album is on course for Number 1. Every song is listenable and certainly a contender for album of the year. Gig report will come when I see her in April.
Turin Brakes - Outbursts
Thank God for Take That! After Turin Brakes revealed the royalties they have got from writing a song on a Take That album has paid for this latest offering then it is money well spent. A superb album, better to chill out to then have a good headbang. Such a shame it won't sell much as it is certainly a hidden gem.
Ones To Watch: Alex Gardner
Alex Gardner is a new singer songwriter from Edinburgh, Scotland. His music style is an electro pop mix with catchy synths. He is tipped for big things with upcoming support shows for Scouting For Girls and One Republic. His debut single is "I'm Not Mad".
Personally I look forward to hearing more as this should hopefully refresh the solo male music market which has become inundated with Rap and R n B artists recently.
Personally I look forward to hearing more as this should hopefully refresh the solo male music market which has become inundated with Rap and R n B artists recently.
Monday, 15 February 2010
Singh- referee because of his race or his ability?
Over the years Jarnail Singh has been criticised for his refereeing ability. Only last Saturday he produced a poor display when I saw Lincoln lose to Rotherham. But is it the fact that he is worse at refereeing than other referees or is it the fact that because he is of a different ethnic minority he is remembered more?
Over my time in football I have seen many poor referee performances but you ask me to name 2 bad referees that I have seen that are white I would struggle.
Of course Mr Singh isn't the greatest referee and many do feel the FA keep him on the list to do their bit for the ethnic community. Is there no more ethnic or black referees because of the abuse they have seen Mr Singh and Uriah Rennie get? Maybe it is the FA's job to encourage more black and ethnic referees to train?
Only time will tell.....
Over my time in football I have seen many poor referee performances but you ask me to name 2 bad referees that I have seen that are white I would struggle.
Of course Mr Singh isn't the greatest referee and many do feel the FA keep him on the list to do their bit for the ethnic community. Is there no more ethnic or black referees because of the abuse they have seen Mr Singh and Uriah Rennie get? Maybe it is the FA's job to encourage more black and ethnic referees to train?
Only time will tell.....
New Releases Week Beginning 15th February
After having a week off I am returning to look at this weeks new releases. On the singles front we have the annoying twins Jedward with their debut collaboration and also a highly anticipated return for The Courteeners. Albums wise, Ocean City releases his debut album and Glee is released to the public.
Singles
Jedward feat Vanilla Ice- Ice Ice Baby
The less said about this the better. Annoying song in the first place made even worse by these 2 Irish twins from X Factor. Hopefully Jedward follow in the footsteps of Aqua, The Fast Food Rockers and Chico after their 15 minutes of fame into music oblivion. For those mad enough to like this the video is below:
The Courteeners- You Overdid It Doll
I have to admit that I wasn't the greatest fan of The Courteeners first album but this first release off their second album 'Falcon' is superb. With a steady beat throughout to tap to you are guaranteed to have this song in your head. It is a song you would think someone more like The Killers to make, but it is certainly different to anything out there. It has converted me, wish I had bought a ticket for their upcoming gig and I eagerly anticipate the release of 'Falcon'.
Albums
Owl City- Ocean Eyes
After having a listen to this you get the feeling Owl City might be a one hit wonder. Every song does sound the same and his voice gets on your nerves quite quickly. ' Vanilla Twilight' is a nice enough ballad towards the end of the album, but for me personally the album isn't a great listen.
Glee: Series 1- The Soundtrack
I personally haven't seen Glee but people do talk about it ALL the time it seems and the songs have been in the singles charts. This album is a collection of songs from Series 1. It includes It's My Life and smash hit ' Don't Stop Believing'. For any Glee fan it is a must have but for me personally I will not be listening again.
Singles
Jedward feat Vanilla Ice- Ice Ice Baby
The less said about this the better. Annoying song in the first place made even worse by these 2 Irish twins from X Factor. Hopefully Jedward follow in the footsteps of Aqua, The Fast Food Rockers and Chico after their 15 minutes of fame into music oblivion. For those mad enough to like this the video is below:
The Courteeners- You Overdid It Doll
I have to admit that I wasn't the greatest fan of The Courteeners first album but this first release off their second album 'Falcon' is superb. With a steady beat throughout to tap to you are guaranteed to have this song in your head. It is a song you would think someone more like The Killers to make, but it is certainly different to anything out there. It has converted me, wish I had bought a ticket for their upcoming gig and I eagerly anticipate the release of 'Falcon'.
Albums
Owl City- Ocean Eyes
After having a listen to this you get the feeling Owl City might be a one hit wonder. Every song does sound the same and his voice gets on your nerves quite quickly. ' Vanilla Twilight' is a nice enough ballad towards the end of the album, but for me personally the album isn't a great listen.
Glee: Series 1- The Soundtrack
I personally haven't seen Glee but people do talk about it ALL the time it seems and the songs have been in the singles charts. This album is a collection of songs from Series 1. It includes It's My Life and smash hit ' Don't Stop Believing'. For any Glee fan it is a must have but for me personally I will not be listening again.
Monday, 1 February 2010
Football in 3D, whatever next?!
Well after yesterdays broadcast of Arsenal V Manchester United by Sky in 3D, is this the way football is going to be in the future?
Sky are launching their own 3D channel in the next 12 months and maybe like HD, this is the next technology that in 10 years everyone will have. Personally I do not wish to have to watch football with a pair of glasses on, I prefer just the traditional non glasses way! I also can't see how 3D will work on the normal standard side view of the pitch. I suppose I can't knock it till I've tried it and in 10 years time I might be writing on here raving about watching Lincoln get promoted to the Premiership in 3D (dream on!)
Sky are launching their own 3D channel in the next 12 months and maybe like HD, this is the next technology that in 10 years everyone will have. Personally I do not wish to have to watch football with a pair of glasses on, I prefer just the traditional non glasses way! I also can't see how 3D will work on the normal standard side view of the pitch. I suppose I can't knock it till I've tried it and in 10 years time I might be writing on here raving about watching Lincoln get promoted to the Premiership in 3D (dream on!)
New releases week commencing 1st February
This week again is a quiet week for releases but we have a release from a singer songwriter tipped to be huge in 2010 and a return from a 90's Britpop band.
Singles
Hot Chip- One Life Stand
After the breakthrough of 'Ready For The Floor' into the mainstream charts, it was hoped that Hot Chip would build on this. However they haven't been able to and 'One Life Stand' is not going to help them crack the top 10 again. It doesn't have an infectious chorus and seems a very tame affair overall.
Marina and The Diamonds-Hollywood
After coming 2nd in sound of 2010, Marina is tipped for big things. Hollywood is her first proper release and is a decent offering. Her singing style is very similar to Florence of Machine fame. The song itself is nice, light hearted and upbeat. This could be the start of chart success for Marina before her album 'The Family Jewels' is released at the end of the month.
Albums
Ocean Colour Scene – Saturday
In their day, Ocean Colour Scene were as big as other Britpop bands like Blur and Pulp. However the youth of today don't seem to have the same following and their new stuff has not had much chart success over the past few years. Saturday is the latest album from the band and is a return to their old sound. Although unlikely to make them popular again, Ocean Colour Scene fans will no doubt be delighted with the album.
The Sunshine Underground - Nobody's Coming To Save You
The second album from Leeds rockers The Sunshine Underground was eagerly anticipated and it doesn't disappoint. Lead single 'Nobodys Coming To Save You' is a great first single, with a slight Muse feel to it. This style follows on the album and personally I was very impressed by this second offering.
Singles
Hot Chip- One Life Stand
After the breakthrough of 'Ready For The Floor' into the mainstream charts, it was hoped that Hot Chip would build on this. However they haven't been able to and 'One Life Stand' is not going to help them crack the top 10 again. It doesn't have an infectious chorus and seems a very tame affair overall.
Marina and The Diamonds-Hollywood
After coming 2nd in sound of 2010, Marina is tipped for big things. Hollywood is her first proper release and is a decent offering. Her singing style is very similar to Florence of Machine fame. The song itself is nice, light hearted and upbeat. This could be the start of chart success for Marina before her album 'The Family Jewels' is released at the end of the month.
Albums
Ocean Colour Scene – Saturday
In their day, Ocean Colour Scene were as big as other Britpop bands like Blur and Pulp. However the youth of today don't seem to have the same following and their new stuff has not had much chart success over the past few years. Saturday is the latest album from the band and is a return to their old sound. Although unlikely to make them popular again, Ocean Colour Scene fans will no doubt be delighted with the album.
The Sunshine Underground - Nobody's Coming To Save You
The second album from Leeds rockers The Sunshine Underground was eagerly anticipated and it doesn't disappoint. Lead single 'Nobodys Coming To Save You' is a great first single, with a slight Muse feel to it. This style follows on the album and personally I was very impressed by this second offering.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)