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.
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Another Saturday, another game off
Well, another Saturday goes by without a Lincoln game. With only 5 games off in the whole football league, I personally don't think the weather was that bad. If teams like Carlisle can get their game on, then surely clubs like Lincoln and Rotherham (who play at a National Athletics Stadium) can get their games on with ease. This season might be decided on which squad can last the distance with this fixture backlog rather than the best teams. Thank god next season all football league clubs have to have undersoil heating or a full pitch cover. This will hopefully lead to next season not being like this!
Monday, 25 January 2010
ONES TO WATCH:SCOUTING FOR GIRLS AND HURTS
Another regular feature will be my tips for songs that will be big over the coming months. This week I review 2 songs- one from a band hoping to continue their great chart runs of the past and one from a new band which are unlike anything around at the moment.
Scouting For Girls- This Ain't A Love Song
When many people think of Scouting For Girls they are a band you either love or hate. Although it could be said some of their songs sounded the same on their first self titled album, their comeback single is something I personally did not expect and might gain them a new set of fans. 'This Ain't A Love Song' is very reminiscent to early work by Athlete. It is not as catchy as 'She's So Lovely' but it is a superb song. The chorus is memorable and I am sure this could give Roy and the boys their first UK Number 1.
Hurts- Blood, Tears and Gold
Tipped for big things in 2010 are Hurts. What is known about them is very little, they don't put their music on Myspace apart from their latest video, their videos are shot in Black and White and there is 2 of them . I was a fan of their previous band Daggers who produced more upbeat songs (search Youtube for them) but Blood Tears and Gold couldn't be more opposite. An anthemic track, it is not a song to dance around your room to, however it is one that will make you want to put on repeat. The debut album due in May will be one not to miss.
Scouting For Girls- This Ain't A Love Song
When many people think of Scouting For Girls they are a band you either love or hate. Although it could be said some of their songs sounded the same on their first self titled album, their comeback single is something I personally did not expect and might gain them a new set of fans. 'This Ain't A Love Song' is very reminiscent to early work by Athlete. It is not as catchy as 'She's So Lovely' but it is a superb song. The chorus is memorable and I am sure this could give Roy and the boys their first UK Number 1.
Hurts- Blood, Tears and Gold
Tipped for big things in 2010 are Hurts. What is known about them is very little, they don't put their music on Myspace apart from their latest video, their videos are shot in Black and White and there is 2 of them . I was a fan of their previous band Daggers who produced more upbeat songs (search Youtube for them) but Blood Tears and Gold couldn't be more opposite. An anthemic track, it is not a song to dance around your room to, however it is one that will make you want to put on repeat. The debut album due in May will be one not to miss.
Life in League 2!
League 2- not the most glamorous of surroundings to support a football team but that is what I have been doing since I was 8! As the era of Sky Sports children is starting to come through, you are seeing more and more children walking round in Manchester United and Chelsea shirts than the old red and white of the Imps.
So what makes me support my local side? I have spoke to many people about this and it is something that you can't really describe. Many lower league fans has been through times where they wondered why the hell they were going on away trips to Accrington and Tranmere on a cold Tuesday night with nothing to play for in a season of mid table mediocrity, but they still go. In my first season as a Lincoln fan, we got relegated from the old Second division, yet that just made me want to go more
The great thing about lower league football is the ups and downs. Seven years ago this happened:
Now Lincoln are fighting to survive in the Football League.
11 years ago Fulham were a division below Lincoln and look at the difference now... Lincoln for Premiership in 2020? WE CAN DREAM.
UP THE IMPS!
So what makes me support my local side? I have spoke to many people about this and it is something that you can't really describe. Many lower league fans has been through times where they wondered why the hell they were going on away trips to Accrington and Tranmere on a cold Tuesday night with nothing to play for in a season of mid table mediocrity, but they still go. In my first season as a Lincoln fan, we got relegated from the old Second division, yet that just made me want to go more
The great thing about lower league football is the ups and downs. Seven years ago this happened:
Now Lincoln are fighting to survive in the Football League.
11 years ago Fulham were a division below Lincoln and look at the difference now... Lincoln for Premiership in 2020? WE CAN DREAM.
UP THE IMPS!
The FA Cup- Losing it's respect or gaining in popularity?
After this weekends FA Cup games only one of the so called big 4 are left in the competition. Many critics have been saying that the big teams don't take it seriously anymore but is that necessarily true? Is it just the magic of the cup being reignited?
This season has seen the Premier League become tighter than ever with 6 or 7 teams fighting for the 4 Champions League spots. This suggests that the so called big teams might not be as far ahead as before. Teams like Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City have seized the chance to break the monopoly and this is continuing in the cups. The League Cup final could have 2 teams contesting it that have not won anything since 1996. The FA Cup is also heading that way with only Chelsea left ( who played a near enough full strength team against Preston, who are mid table in the Championship).
I am sure that if the big 4 were continually winning the cups then the media would say how the FA Cup has also died because the same teams win it. It is a no win situation and I am sure many fans have enjoyed it more this year than over the past few (and I am not just saying that because Lincoln actually reached the Third round!)
So as we wait to see if Leeds can overhaul Tottenham to get into the last 16, who's going to bet against a Villa V Man City FA Cup as well as League Cup Final?
This season has seen the Premier League become tighter than ever with 6 or 7 teams fighting for the 4 Champions League spots. This suggests that the so called big teams might not be as far ahead as before. Teams like Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester City have seized the chance to break the monopoly and this is continuing in the cups. The League Cup final could have 2 teams contesting it that have not won anything since 1996. The FA Cup is also heading that way with only Chelsea left ( who played a near enough full strength team against Preston, who are mid table in the Championship).
I am sure that if the big 4 were continually winning the cups then the media would say how the FA Cup has also died because the same teams win it. It is a no win situation and I am sure many fans have enjoyed it more this year than over the past few (and I am not just saying that because Lincoln actually reached the Third round!)
So as we wait to see if Leeds can overhaul Tottenham to get into the last 16, who's going to bet against a Villa V Man City FA Cup as well as League Cup Final?
Music Releases 25th January
In what will be a regular feature, I will review a few albums and songs that are released. This week we have got a cover of a Rhianna song (no not Umbrella) and the 3rd album from a band looking to break into the top 40.
Singles
Lightspeed Champion – Marlene (10”)
This is the first single off singer-songwriter Devonté Hynes second album, due for release on 1st February. It is an upbeat lighthearted song, which although it won't make any waves in the top 40, it is still a decent enough song.
Editors – You Don’t Know Love (DOWNLOAD ONLY)
This is the Editors second song off their album 'In This Light and On This Evening'. Following on from Papillion, this single has a distinctive retro vibe to it and suits the unmistakable voice of lead singer Tom Smith. Soon to play Lincoln's Engine Shed in an unmissable gig.
Jamie Cullum – Don’t Stop the Music (DOWNLOAD ONLY)
Jamie Cullum is well known as a jazz based musician and when I first saw this track on his album I really didn't expect it to be a cover of Rhianna's song....... how mistaken I was. An interesting take on a popular song, although Jamie should probably stick to writing his own songs.
Albums
David Bowie - A Reality Tour
This live album from his tour in 2003 is a collection of all his great hits from Ashes to Ashes to Heroes. A 2 disc collection, for any Bowie fans is a must have and a chance to hear the incredible performer that he is.
Hadouken! - For The Masses
Never likely to hit the mainstream, however Hadouken! have built up a good following of fans from their first 2 albums. 'For The Masses' returns a lot more to Hadouken's dance/electro sound and lead single 'Turn the Lights Out' is a great example of this. Overall a decent album although probably something you wouldn't listen to when your Nan is round for tea.
Singles
Lightspeed Champion – Marlene (10”)
This is the first single off singer-songwriter Devonté Hynes second album, due for release on 1st February. It is an upbeat lighthearted song, which although it won't make any waves in the top 40, it is still a decent enough song.
Editors – You Don’t Know Love (DOWNLOAD ONLY)
This is the Editors second song off their album 'In This Light and On This Evening'. Following on from Papillion, this single has a distinctive retro vibe to it and suits the unmistakable voice of lead singer Tom Smith. Soon to play Lincoln's Engine Shed in an unmissable gig.
Jamie Cullum – Don’t Stop the Music (DOWNLOAD ONLY)
Jamie Cullum is well known as a jazz based musician and when I first saw this track on his album I really didn't expect it to be a cover of Rhianna's song....... how mistaken I was. An interesting take on a popular song, although Jamie should probably stick to writing his own songs.
Albums
David Bowie - A Reality Tour
This live album from his tour in 2003 is a collection of all his great hits from Ashes to Ashes to Heroes. A 2 disc collection, for any Bowie fans is a must have and a chance to hear the incredible performer that he is.
Hadouken! - For The Masses
Never likely to hit the mainstream, however Hadouken! have built up a good following of fans from their first 2 albums. 'For The Masses' returns a lot more to Hadouken's dance/electro sound and lead single 'Turn the Lights Out' is a great example of this. Overall a decent album although probably something you wouldn't listen to when your Nan is round for tea.
Welcome!
Welcome one and all (most likely just the 1, cheers Mum!) to my blog. Through here I will be posting up blogs about music , sport and anything else that takes my fancy. If you do wish to elave any comments then there is space at the bottom of each blog.
Many thanks and hope you enjoy
Rob :)
Many thanks and hope you enjoy
Rob :)
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