Monday 24 September 2018

Masa Diora - You Don't Love Me (Single Review)

Electro psychedelic rock meets 80s synthwave in Mancunian trio Masa Diora's debut track, 'You Don't Love Me' to be released on September 28th.

'You Don't Love Me' is a heart wrenching realisation of unrequited love with someone who doesn't love you back, but they stay around because they enjoy your company and having someone to do things with. Summery guitar riffs played by Jonty Lodge submerge with prominent synths from Callum Jackson creating the basis for the track. With his dispirited dirge vocals, lead singer George Knowles pours out the chorus,

"You don't love me, you just want me around. You don't need me, so stop acting up now."

Masa Diora mask the heartbreak with uplifting synths and guitar riffs along with poetic imagery within their debut release 'You Don't Love Me', it will be available to stream September 28th, on all major streaming sites.

 To keep up with Masa Diora, follow their social media links here - Facebook / Twitter / Instagram/ Website


Friday 7 September 2018

DECO - Upside Down (Single Review)

Indie-pop duo DECO create an 80s wonderland with their use of backing vocals and synths by guitarist John Dell, and melodic pop vocals from lead singer, Max Kendall. 'Upside Down' is released today on September 7th and it is their title track from their new EP to be released early 2019, alongside pre-released tracks 'Wild One' and 'Roam'.

Pop song 'Upside Down' radiates a feel good vibe with it's upbeat summer dance beats and catchy repetitive chorus as Kendall sings,

"I found myself, I was living life upside down/ Held on by a thread, I was craving a good day/ When I met you, you took me higher, now I'm seeing things the right way/  When I met you, you took me higher/ Now I'm seeing things the right way round."

'Upside Down' maintains a fun and lively energy within the song and combines it with the strong vocals of lead singer Max Kendall which makes the track a solid pop tune.

Click here to listen to the track and for any further information or updates on DECO follow their social media pages by clicking the links : Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube




Monday 3 September 2018

TRAMPOLENE - You've Got to Pick A Pocket or Two (Album Review)

Welsh indie-punk rock trio Trampolene from Swansea follow their debut album, From Swansea to Hornsey with 28 track compilation album You've Got to Pick A Pocket or Two. The album is a compilation of songs and poems covering all sorts of different topics ranging from love ballads to rebellion and the album endures a stream full of emotion throughout, the tracks are collected from their early mini albums and EP's.

You've Got to Pick A Pocket or Two will be released on September 7th and it features covers such as an innocent, fun tribute to The Cure's 'Friday I'm In Love' on side one - Loud. There is a softer attempt of The Smiths - 'Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want' (which is already available to listen to here) as well as a rock rendition of Leonard Cohen's classic folk track 'Tonight Will Be Fine' on side two - Quiet.

The album is divided in two, just like that. Loud and Quiet. Side one is full of punchy punk tracks like 'My Bourgeoisie Girl', and a commemoration to hustler and crook 'Tom Hardy' showing a level of admiration towards him, claiming multiple things like... "He played the bass for the White Stripes then he quit the band, he can even play Jimi Hendrix with one hand. He builds robots for NASA, he found the cure for cancer, his mum's a fit belly dancer..." for example to then go on to repetitively chant "I wanna be Tom Hardy!" in a celebratory fit of punk rage.

"Does this make you happy ? The sons and daughters of some of London's top people seem to find wealth something of a burden" a news reporter says in a crackly prologue on 'Camden Mannequins' a speaker-testing track protesting against the privileged with its frantic drumming from Rob Steele and thundering riffs from both, Wayne Thomas on bass and Jack Jones on lead guitar and vocals.

Loud closes off with 'Swansea to Hornsey', a track about leaving your hometown, packing up a rucksack and a suitcase, and just escaping; it's a more calm, toned down affair in preparation for what is to come on side two, Quiet.

Side two brings you 'Newcastle Brown Love Song', a melancholic 60s psychedelic inspired track "Do you still want to love me now? Frankly my dear I couldn't give a damn if I died tomorrow. If i die tomorrow, can you love me for who I am?" As well as other ballads like, 'No One's Got Love Like We Got', a romantic apology for being overly smitten and proposal as Jack attempts to swoon and pursue a relationship in 'Red Sky Sings', and already released track 'She Sits With Me' an acoustic track dedicated to a woman who helps to listen to Jack on his dark days and calms him down and relaxes him by keeping him company, sitting with him.

The last four tracks are poems written and spoken by lead singer Jack Jones; 'Health and Wellbeing (At Wood Green Job Centre)', a descriptive honest poem that rolls off Jacks tongue as he has a political discussion on zero hour contracts working for minimum wage, and false hopes. 'To Be A Libertine' features snippets of Pete Doherty, Gary, John, Carl , and fans from around the world proudly claiming "I know what it means to be a libertine". 'Saving My Life In A&E' talks of Jack's own battles with mental health, panic attacks and how the NHS saved his life followed by a child-like nonsense short poem about a 'Slug' which seals the album.

Trampolene take you through a whirlwind of mixed emotions within Pick A Pocket or Two, it can be simultaneously serious, witty, and funny whilst keeping you confused in the meantime. Not to be missed, and not to be mislead, even though there is 28 tracks, each one of them is worth a listen.

For details of their upcoming tour or any further updates of their album, visit their Facebook / Twitter / Instagram and YouTube and the album will be available to stream via all music streaming sites.






Wednesday 29 August 2018

Future Theory - Peace of Mind (Single Review)

Lincoln based alternative rock band Future Theory absorb ambient sounds into 'Peace of Mind' a dreary goth rock tune due for release on August 31st. 'Peace of Mind' is the second single to be released from their unnamed album, after first release 'Fractured Nation', the album will be available to listen to in 2019.

Future Theory have released two EP's prior to their upcoming album - 2016 October release, debut Fool's Dream  featuring heavier singles 'Horses' and 'Eye of the Storm' as well as their second EP Live at the LPAC which was released in 2017.

"Love factor aside, you need a kick in your behind. You try to make her realise the alcohol don't fix inside."

The track enters with a Rohan Parrett playing a drum fill and a psychedelic guitar riff from Chris Moore on lead and Rex Helley on bass during the intro, before the vocals enter from Max Sander, holding out the notes at the end of each line on the chorus to show holding onto a love whilst both trying to keep your piece of mind and sanity in fighting an ever longing toxic battle with alcohol addiction.

Keep updated with Future Theory's latest releases by following their social media's: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube and keeping an eye on their Apple Music and Spotify accounts by clicking on the links.


Tuesday 28 August 2018

Philomena - She Takes, She Takes (Single Review)

Dream pop and indie rock duo Philomena create an out-pour for advice on a conflicting relationship on their new track 'She Takes, She Takes' to be released on September 3rd prior to release of their debut six track EP, Songs I Never Thought You'd Hear which it will be featuring on October 15th.

"With your sugar sweet life and your big expectations, you're rushing through everything, you need to have a little patience."

Who knows what they want? 'She Takes, She Takes' features Scarborough musicians Joshua Benjamin Kidger playing melancholic guitar riffs accompanied by lead singer Fredi Dixon-Lenton's dreary dirge vocals, distraught over a confused lover who beholds high expectations and is blind-sighted by what they have around them. The songs contagious chorus of "She takes my time, but I don't mind" clarifies the struggle of having feelings for somebody who doesn't know what they want but justifying them wasting your time because of how deeply you feel for them, hoping one day they will love you more than you love them.

"And when the queen of England's dead you'll have to worship me instead and I'll love you if you'll give me a reason too."

Keep updated with Philomena's latest releases including debut single 'You're the Best Pain I've Ever Had' by following their social media's: Facebook / Twitter / Spotify 



Thursday 16 August 2018

Tributes Pour In As Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin Passes Away Aged 76


Aretha Franklin, otherwise known as the 'Queen of Soul'; one of the most universally recognised and talented singers, songwriters and pianists to have ever lived, sadly passed away of advanced pancreatic cancer on Thursday 16th of August 2018 at her home in Detroit. Recent new articles reported of her extreme ill health during the past few days causing her to be gravely ill, more so then, than ever and she was surrounded by family during her death.

The long-reigning legendary soul singer was battling with the illness since 2010, but despite this Franklin only retired from touring last year showing her true musicianship and her commitment to music, however she was planned for two performances later on this year, but had to cancel due to the doctors orders. Her last performance was in New York City at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine for Elton John's 25th anniversary gala for the Elton John Aids Foundation on 7th of November 2017. Sir Elton John has dedicated a heart-felt Instagram post to the star captioned,

"The loss of Aretha Franklin is a blow for everybody who loves real music: Music from the heart, the soul and the church. Her voice was unique, her piano playing underrated - she was one of my favourite pianists. I was fortunate enough to spend time with her and witness her last performance - a benefit for the Elton John AIDS Foundation at St John The Divine Cathedral. She was obviously unwell, and I wasn't sure she could perform. But Aretha did and she raised the roof. She sang and played magnificently, and we all wept. We were witnessing the greatest soul artist of all time. I adored her and worshiped her talent. God bless her. My condolences to all her family and friends. We shared the same birthday - and that meant so much to me. The whole world will miss her but will always rejoice in her remarkable legacy. The Queen is dead. Long live the Queen. @arethasings #RIP #ArethaFranklin #QueenOfSoul @ejaf "

Tributes have flooded in from presidents, musicians and celebrities all over the globe such as: Donald Trump, Barack and Michelle Obama, Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Tony Benett, Ms Diana Ross... the list goes on. Many other well established individuals who were influenced or associated with Aretha have also written their tributes online across various social media sites,


And on that note... RESPECT. RIP Aretha Franklin, the one, the only Queen of Soul.









Thursday 19 July 2018

20 Songs You Deserve To Know Before You're 20

My 20th was last month, and I usually do a blog post however I ended up ridiculously ill and unable to write it up. Twenty is the age you hit the realisation that you are officially an adult, and life is now somewhat serious; however you still live life like you're sixteen without a trouble in the world (except GCSE's and maybe boys/girls). This playlist has been created on YouTube and you can listen to it here, I wanted the order and the playlist to create a flow of emotions... Open your mind to new thoughts, reminisce on the care free party times whilst reflecting on just how amazing life really is. Everybody deserves to know these songs but more so if you're under twenty and haven't done already, here goes...

Image result for 20 birthday meme

1. Mint Royale - Blue Song


2. The Cure - Why Can't I Be You?

3. The Stone Roses - I Am The Resurrection


4. Oasis - Live Forever


5. Konshens - Bruk Off Yuh Back



6. Armand Van Helden - Painkiller




7. Florence + The Machine - Kiss With A Fist



8 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony - Don't Waste My Time


9. David Bowie - I'm Waiting For The Man


10. 2Pac - Pac's LIfe


11.. Luniz - I Got 5 On It


12. Amy Winehouse - Stronger Than Me


13. Arctic Monkeys - Piledriver Waltz


14. The Coral - Dreaming of You


15. Frank Ocean - Sweet Life 


16. Lauryn Hill - I Used To Love Him


17. Fleetwood Mac - Isn't It Midnight


18. Stevie Nicks - Edge of Seventeen


19. A$AP Rocky ft Rod Stewart, Mark Ronson and Miguel - Everyday



20. Maverick Sabre - Shooting The Stars


Here's the link for the playlist again incase you didn't see it at the top - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcM4n0aEkx6zMnrQVPrQemXvMK1WN2SJk 


Thursday 17 May 2018

The Wetness Has Gone and The Clause Have Been Reborn (Extended Interview)



Friday 11 May 2018

The Brookes - Man Up! (Single Review)

Four piece alternative rock band from Grimsby, The Brookes are working with male suicide awareness charity, 'CALM' on new track 'Man Up' to be released on May 17th. The Brookes are working with the charity to raise money and awareness for people that have been impacted by mental health, men in particular. Men seem to have this strong role that they have to live up to, but regardless of gender, we are all human, and everyone experiences their own demons at some point or rather.

Male emotions and feelings are often a taboo and for no good reason other than pride, and the fear of looking weak. Suicide is the cause of the highest rate of deaths amongst men under the age of 45, the intentions of 'Man Up' is to make people aware that it isn't just you that is suffering in silence, the track will hopefully encourage more men to discuss their feelings, be more open, and to not be ashamed or embarrassed about however they feel.


'Man Up' is a real cry for help, the track harbors a 00's indie feel combined with dramatic heavy punk basslines and guitar riffs from bassist Elliott Gant and both lead singer Bonge Keal and Fraser Macdonald on guitar. Lauren Taylor on the drums creates the foundation for the track as the vocals overpower, demanding to be heard - the chorus shouts, "Man Up! Man Up!". 

"Go tell your fears, you know they'll take it from here. You know they'll tell you to be quiet to your peers."

In order to overcome and conquer your fears, first you must face them.  This verse is all about gaining the courage to talk to someone and make somebody aware that you're suffering before your fears (demons) take over and it's too late. After all, what does 'Man Up' even mean? Just because mental health isn't as visible as physical health doesn't mean it should go unnoticed, especially when it has such a harrowing effect on so many people all over world. If you would like to support The Brookes and CALM ZONE they will be raising further awareness through single launch gigs, social plugging, photography shoots and all-round networking so do keep an eye out.

'Man Up' will be available to listen to on all streaming sites as of May 17th. If you're interested about CALM ZONE, head over to their website for more information.

You can keep up to date with the band on their social medias:





Sunday 6 May 2018

Gold Phoenix - There's No Illusion Here (EP Review)

Surrey’s Gold Phoenix release long awaited second EP There’s No Illusion Here on May 7th, following the single release of ‘Oh So Hard’ on August 8th. The EP radiates neo-psychedelia and garage rock throughout the five tracks, with a hint of cock rock in ‘Black Bullet’. Since forming in 2014 the trio have released a self titled EP and two singles, and have recently just finished their ten date European headline tour which had taken place in February and March.

Single release ‘Oh So Hard’ causes a build of tension within its one minute and six second suspenseful instrumental intro; with bassist Fred Higley and drummer Ed Suter creating the foundation for the track. Though the energy is high, at times the track swoons intro a melancholic state because of the way the vocals are poured out so emotionless by lead singer and guitarist Jamie Tipson - but the riveting guitar solos bring the track back to life.

The track portrays emptiness and cold-heartedness within one-self, recognising it in someone else, and falling in love with them regardless. Even the most misunderstood of people can be seen as art and be admired and related to.

“Subdued, black art. It seems, it seems to me, we fit, we fit, vaseline.”

Authentic 00’s alternative rock track ‘Hard to Beat’ is a heavily focused guitar track that has a catchy upbeat feel to it, and it’s about a girl that’s driving him wild. Ed smashes his drum solo towards the end of the track, and then when the song falls back into the chorus, the backing vocals then swirl out, as they fade and echo into the guitar.

Get your bandanas, leather trousers and animal prints out, and let down your hair for cock rock track ‘Black Bullet’. High pitched moans trail on the last word of every line, and dynamic guitar solos rule the two chorus, two verse track. Groovy rock track ‘Hot ’n’ Cold’ is about a volatile relationship between two damaged people. All instruments come to a halt after Jamie’s falsetto vocals on the chorus, to allow complete silence for ‘when you’re hot and cold’.

“You, you should know, you, you should know - when you’re hot and cold.”

Closing track ‘Every Step of the Way’ really emits that 90s neo-psychedelia feel whilst combining it with garage rock, and the one minute outro of music chaos solidifies the garage rock within the track, and the EP comes to an end with a guitar strum.

There’s No Illusion Here is an EP of self-realisation jam-packed with guitar time, and energy. Despite the fact that ‘Oh So Hard’ swoons into a melancholic state due to the way the vocals are performed, the bands energy throughout is high. There’s No Illusion Here is a pure rock ‘n’ roll record, that covers a combination of 80s, 90s and 00s rock; cock rock track ‘Black Bullet’ is very 80s, meanwhile ‘Hard to Beat’ is very 00s and ‘Every Step of the Way’ is very 90s. This new EP will be very Hard to Beat.





Keep up to date with the band on their social medias:
Instagram @goldphoenixband 




Tuesday 3 April 2018

Idle Ross - 'Into the Thick Of It' (Single Review)

In September 2017 the birth was given to Idle Ross, a Sheffield four-piece who incorporate influences of Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian in their new debut single 'Into the Thick Of It' to be released Friday April 6th. The single was recorded at 2Fly Studios where the likes of Arctic Monkeys, Pulp and Milburn have all recorded records; and it was mastered by Pete Maher who's worked with the likes of U2, Jack White and The Rolling Stones, to ensure a perfect debut release.

A slow rhythm creates the foundation for the track and then lead singer Ross Green enters with his northern vocals and a slight snarl, "don't you think that things look different, in the night? I can't believe that you'd be such a hypocrite, wasting my time." The chorus lingers in the background, and this is where the song begins to pick up, and the Arctic Monkeys influence becomes especially prominent on the last verse sounding very 2013 AM. 

'Into the Thick Of It' is a classic indie tune, the outro is around the same length as the song, and the last minute is an explosion of guitar riffs by lead guitarist Sean Yeardley, and bassist Charlie Rodgers with Joel Haddon on the repetitive drums holding the rhythm. If you like Arctic Monkeys, you won't be disappointed. Out Friday.

Follow them here:

Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Soundcloud


Tuesday 20 March 2018

Mega Happy - 'Stubborn' (Single Review)

Post-punk indie-rock trio Mega Happy from Leeds have written and recorded this single going full DIY, but they are the polar opposite to the kind of music their band name insinuates. Yes they're indie, but not uplifting indie - it's like how The Smiths, The Cure, Joy Division etc have an effect on you. It's quite frankly upsetting. Debut single 'We Can't Be Friends' released last month carries the same affect as new single 'Stubborn' to be released March 26th.

The track is short at two minutes and forty-five seconds, and the content is intense - it obtains, suicidal thoughts, mental illness, and little optimism.  Mental illnesses can take control at times and can cause further damage to an individual such as self-harm and suicidal thoughts. The track displays the thought process of what it's like to be in a depressive rut that seems impossible to get out of.

"A brand new day makes me think of suicide in an unironic way.  A crippling pain that's so stubborn like an unwashed bed sheet stain. A little brain can see only one way out and its right down the drain."

For some people there is only one way out.

Throughout it all they still face the next day though, they want to have their life taken from them but they still enter a brand new day, and that's the underlying message. Just give yourself a chance, because it will get better.

"It makes me hurt to wake up every day to a wrist blood covered shirt, why can't I pay for someone to please take today away?"

'Stubborn' is incredibly short, and more could have been done with it. The outro is nearly as long as the song, being one minute and twenty seconds. If the song was a minute or two longer due to an added verse or chorus, it would be a lot stronger. The use of synthesizers makes it sound very clean cut and adds an edge to it in comparison a lot of upcoming indie guitar bands out there at the moment, bringing about an Alt J, MGMT and the XX kind of feeling. It's a thought-provoking song but I feel like I just need more, the outro is just too long in comparison to the length of the song.



Sunday 18 March 2018

Third Year Blog Anniversary - Top 30 Most Influential Albums

Apologies for the blog not having regular updates, but since starting university I've been constantly busy with coursework, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and my social life, so the blog has had to take a bit of a back seat. Nonetheless I have still managed to post and get some new reviews on here, and there's one coming soon too. It's my three year blog anniversary, woo! So of course this post must be a bit different...

This post consists of the top thirty albums (ten for each year) that have influenced my life the most, all of which I know like the back of my hand. The order of the albums will be alphabetical, because it would my nigh on impossible to order them in a way that rated them to a Number #1.

1. Amy Winehouse – Back to Black (2006)



Although her debut ‘Frank’ is a fantastic album and beholds some of my most treasure Winehouse songs such as: ‘Stronger Than Me’, ‘Help Yourself’ and ‘Fuck Me Pumps’ her strongest album by far is ‘Back to Black’. The deluxe edition contains tracks off her Ska EP covering, Toots & the Maytals – ‘Monkey Man', The Specials – ‘Hey Little Rich Girl’ , The Skatalites – ‘You're Wondering Now’ and Sam Cooke – ‘Cupid’ and her feature on Mark Ronson’s track ‘Valerie’. Her voice is just so distinctive and raw, I had always admired that along with her attitude. She never gave a fuck what people thought ‘Addicted’, ‘Rehab’, ‘You Know I’m No Good’, and I took that on board at a young age. Regardless of her bad habits was such an amazing versatile, distinctive artist and you can never take that away from her - she will always be remembered. Legend.

2. Arctic Monkeys – Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007)
Image result for arctic monkeys favourite worst nightmare album cover
I’m pretty sure they used to play Arctic Monkeys at the school disco, and they were on the radio a lot growing up so I had always liked them. A strong fondness came about of Arctic Monkeys when I was fourteen and I heard ‘505’ - it just made me melt. Leading to me listening to this album on loop for a fair few weeks, and then I went on to discover that my favourite Arctic Monkeys album is ‘Suck It and See’. The album just beholds a wonderful, sublime way with words as Turners poetical side is nakedly exposed and the heart melting poems roll off Turner’s northern tongue. Favourite Worst Nightmare on the other hand is the Arctic Monkeys album that inspired me the most because it led me to more Arctic Monkeys.

3. Daughter – If You Leave (2013)



Not an album many of you will be familiar with, but Daughter were my first gig. I used to listen to these a lot when I was about thirteen; they released their second EP ‘Wild Youth’ back in 2011, and I just admired how different it was. Daughter are quite a mood draining band, they’re obscure indie/folk but they are fantastic. Elena Tonra’s voice is beautiful and the lyrics are so delicate but so devastating at the same time. Daughter’s music has helped me a lot and as much as this album breaks your heart, as odd as it sounds, sometimes I think you need that.

4. Dire Straits - Money For Nothing (1988)
This was one of the first records I ever owned after getting my record player, and I raided my nan's loft for any old records that she may of had left from back in the day.. Amongst ABBA, Bee Gees, Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, The Drifters and a Christmas hits record, I also picked up the Dire Straits 'Money for Nothing' LP and when I played it, I couldn't stop... that is until I bought my Stone Roses LP. 'Brothers in Arms' is my Nan's favorite Dire Strait's song so every time I listen to the album, I think of my Nan (she's still alive). This album kick started my vinyl collection because the sound just travels so beautifully on the 'Money For Nothing' record.

5. Duffy – Rockferry (2008)


This album made number one for four weeks, but still the only track everyone ever knows is ‘Mercy’ or ‘Rain On Your Parade’ when she has tracks like ‘Stepping Stone’, ‘Delayed Devotion’ that give you a new found sense of empowerment you never knew you had before. Funnily enough I used to go to to a stage school on Saturdays when I was younger, where I would learn to sing dance and act. I entered the singing competition they put on one year and performed ‘Mercy’ for my choice of song my mate will never let me forget about it. She’s always been a big female icon in my life since I was about ten, I’ve always gone back to Duffy – regardless of her alarmingly slow wait for new music.

6. Fleetwood Mac – Tango In The Night (1978)



I got into Fleetwood Mac in the last three years or so, and I’ve come to the conclusion that Stevie Nicks is my spirit god. I distinctly remember one of my mates having ‘Everywhere’ blasting out of her speakers in her car, and I used to hear it all the time on adverts so I asked who sings it. Then that’s where the Fleetwood Mac obsession came about. Stevie Nicks’ beautifully haunting vocals will forever leave a long-lasting impression on me. Lindsey Buckingham’s to be third solo album turned into ‘Tango In the Night’ and blessed us with ‘Big Love’ – my favourite Fleetwood song by far.

7. Florence + The Machine – Lungs (2009)


One of my best friends used to always play this album in her mum’s car and my brother introduced me to Dizzee Rascals feature on Florence’s cover of ‘You Got the Love’ so that’s how myself and this wonderful album came across one another. Florence is my modern-day Stevie Nicks because her voice has that distinctive haunting edge to it, and as a performer she is very in touch with herself and I like that. I saw Florence nearly three years ago in Birmingham and she is so pure and at one with herself it heavily reflects through her performance and she’s such an inspiring woman. ‘Lungs’ again is an album that gives you a sense of empowerment as a thirteen-year old girl when you’re spitting out the words to ‘Kiss With A Fist’ like your hearts been crushed a thousand times by the love of your life that’s never existed and you’ve finally bitten back.

8. Frank Ocean – Channel Orange (2012)


Me and Channel Orange always seems to come back to one another. I used to listen to ‘Swim Good', and ‘Novacane’, then he brought out Channel Orange in 2012 which got me obsessed with ‘Thinkin Bout You’. This album was different to what I had heard before. Frank has an alternative R'n'B/ hip-hop sound to his music, and it expanded my listening to R'n'B which then got me more into old school R'n'B artists like The Fugees, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Lauryn Hill, Luniz, Alicia Keys etc… I’ve been having some catch-up time with this album recently ‘Pyramids’, ‘Sweet Life’ and ‘Lost’ are my new favourites now.

9. Guns N’ Roses – Appetite for Destruction (1987)



Eleven and twelve-year old me absolutely got obsessed with dad rock for a while, and shock, it was my dad that got me into it. I can’t say I feel any different about it now, if you put some ACDC, Bon Jovi, Guns’n’Roses or Bryan Adams on right now - I most definitely would NOT tell you to turn it off. 'Sweet Child O' Mine' was one of the songs me and my dad would sing along to in his van, as well as Notorious B.I.G ‘Juicy’ and Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli ‘The Prayer’. Quite a mix I know, but I’m grateful for being introduced to a variety of different music throughout my life by different people, because it has made me the person I am today. Guns N’ Roses debut album really is something special, full of the classics such as ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ and ‘Paradise City’.

10. James Morrison – The Awakening (2011)



This album is bursting with soul and romance, tracks like ‘Slave to the Music’ and ‘Beautiful Life’ make you want to dance around your house to the soulful groove and his husky voice. All songs on the album are songs you can’t help but belt out when you know the lyrics, his vocal ability is insane and Jessie J’s feature on ‘Up’ is one of the best collaborations I have honestly ever heard.

11. Jamie T – Kings N’ Queens (2009)


My brother had quite a large influence on my music taste growing up, and as I’ve always been a technophobe I didn’t know how to download songs on to my phone or burn CD’s. Therefore, when I was younger I never got a new phone, I used to get my brother’s old phone passed down to me and it would just be full of whatever music he was listening to, so I used to just listen to that. I remember stumbling upon this album one day on the phone and I learnt all the words to ‘Sticks n’ Stones’ and ‘Sheila’. Jamie T is just one of those artists that doesn’t disappoint, after years and years of wanting to see him I finally did last year, he played a mix of old and new songs off all of his albums, amongst some of my favourites and it was a great gig. This street poet album contains a bunch of witty lines from a cheeky, mouthy London boy from the estate talking about alcoholics 'Sheila' , the government 'British Intelligence' substance abuse '368' and 'Emily's Heart' a song about getting what he deserved after he meddled around and broke someone's heart. 

12. Kasabian – 48:13 (2014)


Treat’ blew my mind when I first listened to it, and I listened to the whole six minutes and fifty-three seconds of it. 48:13 is an album that inspired me because even though I was already into alternative/ indie-rock by this point I never gave Kasabian a proper chance, because I didn't really know what sort of band they were, and when I did give them a chance it opened so many musical doors for me.

13. Kula Shaker – K (1996)


Kula Shaker are a post-Britpop band that never got nowhere near as much credit as they should’ve done for their creative psychedelic musical ways. K was the first album to get me into Kula Shaker and ‘Start All Over’ was the first song of theirs I played on loop. This album takes a lot of influences from Indian music which sets it apart from most things you would have heard. Pilgrim’s Progress’is probably my favourite album of theirs now, but K is an album that led me to so much more music like: Super Fury Animals, The Verve, Shed Seven and Primal Scream etc… Kula shaker are still performing over twenty years later, I’ve seen them twice now and they may be in their forties - but they’ve still got it. Hush, hush...

14. Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)


Twenty years on and this album is still more relevant than ever. Classic RnB/soul album beholding doo wop harmonies with a reggae beat seeping through on a few tracks. The lyrics entail, falling in love, getting your heart broken and splitting up whilst letting you know more about Ms. Lauryn Hill post Fugees. Being twenty-three and pregnant at the time of making the album she talks about being a single mother and sends subliminal messages of  God and the struggles of being black. She was out to re-educate everyone on who Ms. Lauryn Hill really is and what she stands for.

15. Maverick Sabre – Lonely Are the Brave (2011)



When thirteen-year old me heard ‘I Need’ I was in love, Maverick Sabre’s voice is so soulful, raw, and different. Then I began listening to ‘Open My Eyes’ and ‘Memories’ which led me on to find other artists like Chase n’ Status as they did ‘Fire In Your Eyes’ ft Maverick, and Wretch 32. If you haven’t listened to the album and only know his main tracks, go and listen to ‘Sometimes’ and ‘They Found Him a Gun’.

16. Oasis – Heathen Chemistry (2002)



The first song that got me into Oasis was ‘Little By Little’ which I found on my brothers phone, and then I listened to the whole album. Full of bangers such as: ‘The Hindu Times’, ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’, ‘Songbird’ and ‘She Is Love’. This is where my indie/alternative rock obsession began, then I got into bands like: Arctic Monkeys, The Maccabees, The Killers, Stereophonics, The Verve, Miles Kane, The Strokes… the list goes on.

17. Paolo Nutini – These Streets (2007)




The day someone showed me ‘New Shoes’ it was added to my playlist. Then I did some exploring of the album and I fell in love with his heart yearning voice, he sings with everything he’s got. He can be delicate, he can be course, he can be smooth, he can be rough, his voice is a marvelous instrument. Every album is a piece of art even after his lengthy hiatus, his 2014 Caustic Love album holds some favourites ‘Cherry Blossom’, ‘Diana’, ‘Better Man’ and ‘Looking For Something’  as well as some mainstream tracksIron Sky’ and ‘Funk My Life Up’.

18. Paul Weller – Stanley Road (1994)




The Modfather has to be on the list, when I got into Weller that lead me to The Jam and The Style Council. I’ve always preferred The Style Council more than The Jam, but I’ve always admired and ranked Weller’s solo work above the rest of his work. Weller got me into Northern Soul as well as other bands like The Who, The Kinks and The Small Faces. ‘Broken Stones’ has and always will be my favourite solo track of his, but his Stanley Road is a timeless album with tracks like: ‘The Changing Man’, ‘Porcelain Gods’, ‘Whirlpools End’ and ‘You Do Something to Me.’


19. Plan B – The Defamation of Strickland Banks (2010)




My brother introduced me to Plan B when his album first came out, my brother has always been into rap music but artists like The Game, 50 Cent, Notorious BIG etc so when he showed me this album it was good to see that my brother embraced Plan B’s new musical direction. This album is about a fictional soul singer called ‘Strickland Banks’ who faces being on trial and going to prison because a groupie allegedly accuses him of sexual assault when in fact the only scandal is that he cheated on his girlfriend with her (‘She Said’ & ‘Stay Too Long’). You follow his path through prison and the struggles he faces in prison ‘The Recluse’ and ‘Darkest Place’ and where he kills someone to survive and someone else takes the blame in ‘Traded In My Cigarettes’ and ‘Prayin’. The older I get the more I appreciate this album and the more I appreciate Plan B as an artist, he’s so creative with everything he does and I really admire his versatility as well as him as an artist.


20. Richard Ashcroft – Keys to the World (2006)



The prodigal songwriter that is ex front-man of post Brit-pop band The Verve, had me circulating this album on loop for a month. Causing devastation in self-titled track ‘Keys to the World’ in a bid to escape the harsh reality which is the world we live in, ‘Words Just Get In the Way’ understanding those who are too nervous to say how they feel, and ‘Music Is Power’ a song about community, a song to those who owe their lives to music and to those it holds together. People may let you down, but music never will.


21. Sex Pistols – Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols (1977)



I stumbled across the Sex Pistols when I was about fourteen and the level of anarchy and rebellion which resonates through the album and into your mind is mind-blowing. Not because it makes you want to fuck shit up and commit crime, it’s the sort of music that just makes you want to shout “FUCK YOU” to anyone you feel oppressed by whether that’s The Government, The Royal Family, your parents, anyone. Singing alongside Johnny Rotten’s angry vocals spitting out the words makes you feel like you’re standing up for something, and whatever it is, it feels right.

22. The Beatles – The Red Album 1962 – 1966 (1973)



This is the album that got me into The Beatles, I picked it up for £3 in a record store because I thought if I don’t like it I’m not losing a lot of money so it’s nothing wasted. I listened to it and realised The Beatles give me the same feeling The Kinks do, and that’s where I learnt I liked The Beatles after avoiding them for so long. Full of swinging love songs that make your heart feel like it’s never felt before, this compilation album pulls it out of the bag with ‘Eight Days A Week’, ‘Love Me Do’, ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ ‘Ticket To Ride’ and ‘A Hard Day’s Night’ on disc one. Disc two beholds classics like ‘Eleanor Rigby’, ‘Paperback Writer’, ‘Yellow Submarine’ and ‘Help!’

23. The Cure – Disintegration (1989)



I started getting into The Cure when funnily enough I realised ‘Lovesong’ was a cover on Adele’s 21 album. Then when I discovered it was The Cure, I listened to the original and then listened to The Cure recklessly afterwards, but this was the album that stuck. ‘Pictures Of You’ will forever be one of my favourites along with 'Lullaby'.

24. The Kinks – Kinks Size (1964)



With a cover if The Kingsmen's 'Louie Louie', typical sixties track 'Tired of Waiting For You' and rock n roll track 'All  Day and All of the Night' what is not to like about this album? The Kinks compilation albums are what I commonly listen to because there's usually just so many songs on there and they are always the best songs, although my favourite Kinks track is 'Set Me Free'.

25. The Kooks - Inside Out (2006)



Around the time of Arctic Monkeys debut, The Kooks released theirs and although they didn't quite get number one they still managed to dominate the charts with their debut remaining at number two for three weeks. This is such a chirpy, uplifting album which hold most of their classics, 'Naive', 'She Moves In Her Own Way', 'Ooh La' and 'Seaside'. Let's not forget about 'You Don't Love Me' and 'See the World', early 2000's indie like The Kooks, Pigeon Detectives, Scouting For Girls, Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, Stereophonics, The Maccabees, Lily Allen, Kate Nash etc is one of my favourite periods of music.

26. The Stone Roses – The Stone Roses (1989)



I'll never forget the day someone told me to listen to this album and I just had the whole album constantly looping on Youtube for the rest of the day, and now they're my favourite band. Even though The Stone Roses haven't got anymore than two albums, I think people forget they have released a fair few singles/ EP's and the songs are some of the most mind-boggling, thought-provoking and intelligent music that will ever bless your ears. Embrace your existence and set your soul free with 'I Am the Resurrection' protest against the government in 'Bye Bye Badman'  live for now in 'This Is the One' and embrace your youth in 'She Bangs the Drums' - "Kiss me where the sun don't shine, the past was yours but the future's mine." The Stone Roses was where the intense music obsession began for me. I had always been into music and different bands, artists etc.. but this is where my passion came from, I owe a lot to The Roses.

27. The Streets - A Grand Don't Come For Free (2004)




Telling the tale of a loss of a grand, this alt hip-hop/rap album brings you into a story where lead singer Mike Skinner meets a girl called Simone 'Could Well Be In', she stands him up so he takes ecstasy and gets drunk in 'Blinded By the Lights' then when he moves in with Simone he's skinning up a spliff and watching the TV and 'Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way'. He then argues with Simone 'Get Out Of My House' he tries to impress another girl 'Fit But You Know It' and then Simone is kissing Dan, and this time he isn't tripping 'What Is He Thinking?' When he finds out Simone cheated on him with his best friend and they break up you have 'Dry Your Eyes' then the outcome is 'Empty Cans' drinking away the sorrows. This is Skinner's best piece of work, holding most of the classics and telling a story near enough every lads lad can relate to. 

28. The Who - Who's Next (1971)



Who's Next is a classic album by The Who, 'Baba O'Riley' covers where twenty people got brain damage at Woodstock because everyone was always so fried from all of the drugs and psychedelics, it was just teenage wasteland - you're all wasted! 'Behind Blue Eyes' was the first song that got me into The Who, and you've got the classic rock track 'Won't Get Fooled Again' where you envision Townshend's three hundred and sixty degrees guitar strums in your head. Pete Townshend wrote this song about a revolution; in the first verse there's an an up-rise, then in the middle they succeed and overthrow those in power, but in the end the new regime becomes just like the old one.


29. Tracy Chapman - Tracy Chapman (1988)



Anyone who knows me will know how much this album means to me. It is full of messages about social class divide, broken families, unemployment, abuse, racial segregation, and how 'the dream' doesn't really exist. Her self titled debut reminds you that no matter what problems you're facing in your life right now, that someone else is also facing something and this album reminds you of all of those other problems in the world. 'Fast Car' and 'She's Got Her Ticket' is the hope that there's a way to a better life, there is ambition and hope. 'Mountains o' Things' shuns the rich for their reckless spending and not knowing the value of money. 'Behind the Wall' is about domestic violence that has been swept under the rug whenever someone reports it because the police are always too late to get there or they dismiss the issues when they're finally there because "they cant interfere with domestic affairs between a man and his wife." 

30. 2PAC - All Eyez On Me (1996)




This album made history as the second double-full-length hip-hop solo studio album released for mass consumption, which was issued on two compact discs and four LPs. 'California Love' is a song that can turn any white chick into thinking they're an east-coast gangsta in LA. "We in that sunshine state with a bomb ass hemp beat. The state where ya never find a dance floor empty, and pimps be on a mission for them greens lean mean money-making-machines serving fiends. I been in the game for ten years making rap tunes, ever since honeys was wearing Sassoon."'  'Life Goes On' carries the acceptance of being a part of the gang life and having to accept death of people close to you as it's a consequence of being out on the street, you're vulnerable no matter what you do or who you are. Death is inevitable but sometimes it's out to get some people more than others, and you just have to know that's the reality of it so you can move on and continue with your life as normal.