Music Listography- Day 2: 20 Albums You'd Bring On A Spaceship

If you were, hypothetically speaking, leaving planet Earth on spaceship or any other inter-planetary space travel vehicle (perhaps a TARDIS), what albums would you bring with you for the journey?

A thought provoking and challenging question is the topic for today's post. I sadly couldn't make it to 20, but I may add to this list later. I think I was being particularly harsh on which albums deserved a spot here, mainly because these are the albums you potentially will be listening to the REST OF YOUR LIFE. IN SPACE. Where no-one can hear you sing.

1. A Rush of Blood To The Head- Coldplay: Like my own 'Sophie's Choice'.
2. Greatest Hits- Queen: A must.
3. Young Americans- David Bowie: I love this album from start to finish.
4. Best of Bowie- David Bowie: Two words 'Modern Love'. Plus, he's an alien. AND there's 'Starman' and 'Space Oddity' and MAJOR TOM to consider. 
5. Lungs- Florence and the Machine: Flawless.
6. Happiness- Hurts: Moody and ambient.
7. Light Years- Kylie Minogue: If only to play the title track on a spaceship. I have to, it's my only chance.
8. Born To Die/Paradise- Lana Del Rey: Another perfect record (s).
9. Ray of Light- Madonna: Moody and ambient.
10. Rudebox- Robbie Williams: Necessary for the synths.
11. Recurring Dream- Crowded House: I won't leave Earth without this.
12. Greatest- Duran Duran: If I didn't play 'Planet Earth' during liftoff, there would be some very pissed off people.
13. Overpowered- Roisin Murphy: Another favourite of mine.
14. Spiegel im Spiegel- Fur Alina: Classical piece that I couldn't live without.

I guess there's not a lot of 'classic' albums on there, and two appearances by Bowie. Plus 4 Greatest Hits compilations- is that cheating a bit?

Bowie thinks otherwise.

What do you think of the list so far? Think my time in space would sonically suck? Needs more Eno? Tweet, Facebook, Tumblr me your thoughts or leave your thoughts downstairs.

Music Listography: Day 1- Top 20 Favourite Bands

I've decided to do a '30 days of' esque theme here on the blog in accordance with the book 'Music Listography: Your Life in (Play) lists'. I don't know how many lists there are because I'm too lazy to count (what's new?)

So, the first list is 'Top 20 Favourite Bands' and this proved to be more difficult than I expected because a)what did they mean by 'band'? exclusively rock groups or are girl groups and boy bands included here as well? and b) do I even like 20 bands?

To answer these questions:
2) I took a leap and said yes to pop groups being included here. It's my list so, whatevs.
b) Turns out, I don't.



On to the list then.

1. Coldplay: need I say more? It's going to be a requirement that any future love interests must love them too (or at least be willing to go to their shows with me).
2. Take That: 10 years ago I didn't really know them. 8 years ago, I hated them. Now, I consider them one of the best groups around.
3. ABBA: defined my 90s childhood and early noughties teen years.
4. Duran Duran: Oh, to be a teen in the 80s *le sigh*
5. End Of Fashion: underrated band. Their second album, Book of Lies, was the soundtrack to my first year at uni.
6. Eskimo Joe: 2006 was the year of the Eskimos for me. I think I listened to Black Fingernails, Red Wine every night that year. Such a perfect album.
7. Florence and the Machine: they're a band, everybody! Flawless and perfect.
8. Franz Ferdinand: A Scottish tour de force. Best memory is opening the first pages of 'A Clockwork Orange' played along side 'The Fallen'.
9. Queen: because of reasons. 
10. Girls Aloud: one of the greatest girl groups to hail from the UK.
11. Bee Gees: those harmonies tho.
12. Scissor Sisters: I love their campy weirdness. Plus, I much prefer their version of 'Comfortably Numb' to Pink Floyd's original. 
13. Sugababes: Like Girls Aloud, you know a group is good when their b-sides are just as coveted as their a-sides.
14. U2; I debated putting them here but 'New Year's Day' kind of sealed the deal for me.
15. The xx: too soon? Maybe. 
16. Phoenix: Dug up their back catalogue post- Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

That's all I have for now. Let me know if you agree/disagree/ are raging about my choices on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr or in the comments

2012 in review (aka the only list that Frank Ocean will not top)

First up, the singles of 2012. Singles by the same artist are doubled because I'm lazy. It's not listed in any order either because I'm lazy. Let's get to it, shall we?

1.     Angels- the xx: the best track off their latest album. Just listen to it if you haven't already.

2.     We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together/ I Knew You Were Trouble-Taylor Swift: the '1-2' punch of the Swift this year was strong. I have the bruises to prove it.

3.     Losing You- Solange: a Knowles I can stan for. Beyonce, step aside please, your talented and sartorially inclined baby sis is here! (I think I just described the dynamic of my relationship with my younger sister in that as well #awkward)

4.     Baby Come Home- Scissor Sisters; if this doesn't make you want to tap your feet and sing along, then I give up.

5.     I Awake- Sarah Blasko: sometimes, I like to listen to Sarah Blasko and pretend I'm edgy and cool.

6.     My Gun- The Rubens: sounds like The Black Keys, but better.

7.     Different- Robbie Williams: one of his best songs ever, especially in recent years (I say this as a major fan). Heartfelt and beautiful, the video also proves how badly he should delve back into acting.

8.     Madness- Muse: I love Muse, but the last few albums have been a struggle to get through on their first listen. 'Madness' served as a refreshing break from their OTT-ness (we are not going to talk about 'Survival'. At all).

9.     Primadonna- Marina and the Diamonds: all I ever wanted was the world too, Marina. Bonus points for her genius tweets.

10. Girl Gone Wild- Madonna: I did not get the hate for this song when it was released and it continues to baffle me now. 

11. Thrift Shop- Macklemore and Ryan Lewis: you know you're onto a good thing when a 60 something year old ethnic man requests this song to be played all the time. Also, one of the best videos this year.

12. Bad Girls- MIA: bad girls do it well. But what is 'it'? #questionsformia

13. Every Night I Say A Prayer- Little Boots: she finally finished her second album and EVERY NIGHT I SAY A PRAYER that this song is on there (see what I did?)

14. Born To Die- Lana Del Rey: Need I say more? This song grabbed me by my non-existent gonads at the beginning of the year and refused to let go.

15. I Love It- Icona Pop: So fierce. So sassy.

16. Battle Scars- Guy Sebastian and Lupe Fiasco: first single I've liked from him in awhile. Plus he acknowledged my mother accosting him in Westfields on Twitter, so we're practically BFFs at this point.

17. Something New- Girls Aloud: GO GIRLS, G-G-G-GO-GO-GO! My body was ready for some new music from GA, though I would argue 'On The Metro' and 'Every Now And Then' are better than SN. (They didn't make the cut due to arbitrary rules that exist in my mind)

18. Pyramids- Frank Ocean: I like this one, don't sue me please.

19. Sweet Nothing/Spectrum (Say My Name)- Calvin Harris and Florence and the Machine: a pair of UK number 1 singles for this duo. I approve wholeheartedly of this pairing; the flawless ginger queen and the smexy Scottish DJ.

20. Lego House- Ed Sheeran: Rupert Grint makes an appearance here for this incredibly catchy and sweet tune.

21. Call My Name/Under The Sun- Cheryl Cole: double whammy from the Geordie princess. Where CMN is another Calvin Harris produced hit (like the shy sister of 'We foudn Love'), Under The Sun relies on the singalong bridge and chorus. Plus the double entendre of 'watch the sun go down on me/go down on me' *insert wink*. Isn't that what pop music's about peeps? (answer: yes)

22. Locked Out Of Heaven- Bruno Mars: I went from 'meh' to 'THIS IS MA JAM!' with this track in a matter of weeks. Why? BECAUSE YOUR SEX TAKES ME TO PARADISE, THAT'S WHY.

23. Laura- Bat For Lashes: beautiful and rousing. I thought about using this for my sister Laura's 21st in two years time, but it's about a sad party girl, so not really appropriate at all.

24. R U Mine- Arctic Monkeys: I don't use this word often for I am a prude and an immature young woman, but this song is incredibly sexy.

25. Skyfall- Adele: imagine Shirley Bassey doing a cover of this Adele stylee. I know I am.

26. 212- Azealia Banks: Great song, but I feel like she's already peaked.

27. Dancing With A Broken Heart- Delta Goodrem: shame this went nowhere chart wise as opposed to 'Wish You Here'. Definitely one of her best singles.

28. Your Body- Christina Aguilera: it's been a few years since I liked a Christina song, so this will do.

29. Timebomb- Kylie Minogue: good for K25 and a banging dance tune, but I'm going to need something more for the next album.

30. Diamonds- Rihanna: doing her best Sia impersonation. I don't care for her so long as she's not Instagram-ming photos of her and woman hater Chris Brown and telling us to #phuckourselves because #Naviisstrong. Yes, I don't understand that either.

Best Albums of 2012 IN ORDER

10. MDNA- Madonna

A good, not great, album from the Queen. Highlights: Masterpiece, Love Spent, Beautiful Killer

9. Devotion- Jessie Ware

Minimalist RnB, excellent late night tunes here. Highlights: Wildest Moments, Running

8. Coexist- The xx

A tighter, cohesive LP that improves on their already brilliant debut, but works better played in full. Also emphasises their love of one word titles. Highlights: Angels, Fiction, Try, Tides.

7. The Haunted Man- Bat For Lashes

Less piano driven then its predecessor and more synth-y, bar the lead single 'Laura'. Still chill inducing though. Kudos to Natasha for also posing for the NSFW cover. Highlights: Laura, Oh Yeah, A Wall, All Your Gold

6. Magic Hour- Scissor Sisters

IDGAF, judge me all you want (looking at you JB Hi Fi server 'they're still around?!?' me: 'erm, yes' :|), but I legit still love SS and this album didn't disappoint me, though I can definitely live without 'San Luis Obispo'. Highlights: Only The Horses, Inevitable, Let's Have A Kiki

5. Halcyon- Ellie Goulding

Captures the heart-ache of a relationship gone awry perfectly. Add this to your break-up album collection. Listen with kleenexes though. Again, works better played from start to finish- there's no real 'singles' on here. This seems to be a trend with albums in 2012. Highlights: Figure 8, Anything Could Happen, My Blood, JOY, Hanging On ft Tinie Tempah

4. Take The Crown- Robbie Williams

It really does sound like Coldplay meets U2 in some parts. Hook laden from start to finish. Highlights: Candy, Different, Into The Silence, Reverse

3. Abbey Road Sessions- Kylie Minogue

Subdued, acoustic and tantalising. The hints that she's given us with various arrangements in concerts lead to this collection and it's a joy to listen to. I refuse to listen to 'Wow' or 'Never Too Late' in any other incarnation now. Highlights: Hand On Your Heart, Locomotion, On A Night Like This, Wow, Never Too Late

2. Electra Heart- Marina and the Diamonds

So close to the top! A case of sophomore effort trumping debut here as she gets those hits gurl. Highlights: Homewrecker, Primadonna, Lies, Power and Control, Teen Idle, Fear and Loathing

1. Born To Die/Paradise- Lana Del Rey

This was the album of 2012 for me. It delivers on every level from start to finish, not one filler track found. The EP Paradise rounds out this era with quality tracks such as a cover of 'Blue Velvet' and the haunting 'Bel Air'. Though 'my pussy tastes like Pepsi-Cola' will never cease to make me stop in my tracks and leave me dumbfounded (life, choices)
Highlights: THE WHOLE ALBUM. Born To Die, Blue Jeans, Video Games, National Anthem, Summertime Sadness, Radio, Without You. EP: Ride, American, Cola

Special Awards:

Underrated Sleeper Album That Everyone Missed: Holiday Trip Of A Lifetime- End Of Fashion. No buzz for this at all, which is a shame because it's not a bad album in the least.

Sad Panda Award:  This award goes to an album that I had really high hopes for but it just didn't turn out to be all that and a bag of chips. Anxiety- Ladyhawke. It's not terrible but really just not as great as her debut. #sadpanda
Runner Up: Our Version Of Events: Emeli Sande. Again, not bad, but not as amazing as I had hoped. MOAR UPTEMPO PLEASE EMELI

That concludes 2012 in muzak for me. Peace out.

Album Review: Robbie Williams- Take The Crown

Robbie Williams' 9th solo album begins not with a whimper but with a bang in the form of 'Be A Boy'. This is the perfect opening, paving the way for the rest of the album both musically and thematically, with the chorus directly responding his critics who believe he's 'old and irrelevant' (see what I did there Radio 1?). For the record, he is neither and this album adequately demonstrates that.

Lead single 'Candy' (and his 14th number 1 in the UK) is a boppy, bouncy affair, similar to 'Tripping', describing nefarious girls. You know, the kind who think they're shit-hot when really they're insufferable and smug. It's incredibly catchy and I can just imagine hearing a stadium singing along to the chorus.

Another highlight of the album is 'Different', which has quickly entered my 'Robbie Top 10'. It is nothing short of brilliant what with the amazing string section and the heartbreaking lyrics, pleading that 'this time I'll be different I promise you'. By the end of my first listen to this track, I was in tears. It is just that beautiful and sad.

The 'Coldplay meets U2' influence that Robbie spoke about months before the album's release is pleasantly dispersed throughout, from the 'oh's' in the background to the guitar on 'Hunting For You' and 'Into the Silence'. It's not overt, but just enough to know he's been listening to 'Pride (In The Name Of Love)' quite a bit recently. As a finale, the duet with Lissie, 'Losers' (originally by The Belle Brigade), perhaps is the album's grandest moment as Robbie laments that he 'he doesn't care about being a winner'. Though, you get the feeling that everything preceding this track contradicts that; he does care about being the best because there are some incredibly strong tracks here.

The deluxe edition of the album features a fantastic track called 'Reverse' which contains the great lyric 'it's just a bad day, not a bad life' and could have definitely fit onto the standard edition of the album. For Take That fans, there is also Robbie's stripped down version of 'Eight Letters', a song that featured Gary Barlow doing lead vocals on the group's last album, Progress. I can't say which one I prefer right now; both versions are both just as good as each other.

'Take The Crown' feels like the natural follow up to 'Intensive Care' rather than his previous effort 'Reality Killed The Video Star'. It's certainly an improvement on the latter (which was no means a bad album), but I still feel like he still has potential to write a truly perfect album, and that can only be a good thing. Right now though, Robbie Williams is the only relevant, interesting male pop star creating truly wonderful music. The throne is ready sir; come and take it.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Check out: Be A Boy, Different, Candy, Into The Silence, Losers

An Open Letter To Taylor Swift

Dear Taylor,

Can I call you Taylor? I feel like we're on a first name basis now.

I need to let you know something. I've never liked your music. Not one bar of it. And I never thought much of you- well, apart from being shocked that you're my age (totally thought you were 18) and your dating history is, ahem, extensive.

So when this happened:

I was pleasantly surprised. It didn't sound like you (i.e country) and it's catchy.

And then you brought out the big guns and a hit us with a double whammy

KO, I am out.

Now, just because I think these tracks are pretty brilliant, doesn't mean I'm going to rush out and buy 'Red' and suddenly stan for you. But, I just wanted to let you know that they have warmed my cold, black, formerly Swfit-less heart.

Oh and on a final note, I just wanted use this gif set and point out how flawless Taylor Squared were/could have been.

Anyway, this is exhausting.

Toodles!

Annie A

Songs To Write To

I find writing to music often helps with getting myself in the right headspace. When I began writing my thesis, I first created a playlist that would soundtrack each writing session. Let me take this time now to brag about how perfect it is

*takes time*

Ok, I'm done now. Check it for yourself if you don't believe me!

Do you find having music in the background helps focus on writing as well? Any great tracks to add, or perhaps your own playlists? Let me know!

Here, have some thoughts

Songs that I am enjoying right now:

• Solange Knowles- Losing You. So hipster. So chic. I think I stan for her- finally, a Knowles I can support!

• Lissie- When I'm Alone. Will next be heard on Robbie Williams' new album Take The Crown, out in November, on the duet 'Losers'.

• Delilah- Go. Hmm. Yes. Me likey. Came across whilst trying to make up my mind about Jessie Ware

• Muse- Madness. Need I say more? Stick with it. Track kicks in towards the end and it is BRILLIANT

• Calvin Harris ft Florence Welch- Sweet Nothing. YES. A banging tune from that guy that does all those songs you like featuring the vocals of a goddess. The video is brilliant and as Florence describes it, 'destructo stripping'

• Sarah Blasko- I Awake. Pulsating, thrilling and chaotic. 

• Side notes: 'Thong Song' will never be a 90s song to me. Ever. 

That is all.

Annie A