music

The Cure@Glastonbury 2019

June 30, 2019 — Leave a comment

The night was young, the stage lights lit up and main stage, the night was young (ish) and the crowds gathered in the masses with pure excitement. Blood, sweat and adrenaline was rising, apart from the summer temperature. 80’s rockers, The Cure made a much anticipated return to Glastonbury, some 29 years since they last headlined back in 1990. And it’s worth noting that they headlined some fours years before then back in 1986, making them the second (or third) band to have headlined all THREE DAYS. Impressive. Front-man Robert Smith opened the set with Plain Busy before continuing their set with numerous hits such as Never Enough, Disintegration, Push, Love Song, The Walk. Between some songs Robert found the time to talk to both the crowd and fans alike. What is fantastic about the band and tonight’s performance was that they appealed to fans and music lovers both old and new. Even after all this time the band are as on-top and incredible now as they were back in the 80’s and early 90’s. The Cure can do no wrong and Robert Smith can still pull off his infamous long. Towards the end of their set they performed two of their biggest hits to date, Friday I’m in Live and the ever well-known tune Close to Me. The band ended the night on Boys Don’t Cry. All I’ll say is that The Cure were definitely worth the wait and you can forgive these guys for a long absence.

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Other live performances on today were Maverick Sabre who never fails to impressive, Christine and The Queens who, quite frankly, is always welcome, as is Friendly Fires. A welcome addition to the live line-up was Billie Eilish who impressed the crowds with her latest track Bad Guy.

Look forward to you next year Glastonbury

The Killers@Glastonbury 2019

June 30, 2019 — Leave a comment

The sun was setting, the adrenaline was rising as was the excitement and anticipation. It was the moment that everyone had been waiting for, American rock/indie band, The Killers, made their return to Glastonbury Festival and it was their second time headlining since their first appearance back in 2007. It was definitely worth the wait. Crowds screamed and chanted as the band, led by front-man, Brandon Flowers finally made their appearance before a crowd of hundreds of thousands. The band opened their set with the song Jenny Was a Friend of Mine, then they sang hit after hit after hit. Throughout the entire set Glasto fans were treated to an amazing light-show fest. Seriously, you could’ve gazed at it for at least 10 minutes and not got bored of it. If anything it helped build an incredible atmosphere. The Killers knew what both the crowds and fans wanted and wasted no time giving it to them. Armed with an incredible voice, guitar backing and drum beats they treated the people to songs such as The Man, Shot at The Night, Runaways, Read My Mind, Bling (Confessions of The King), Spaceman. Popular hits such as Somebody Told Me, always a crowd pleaser. During the set, and for some unknown reason, Jimmy Carr, appeared on stage on janitorial duties. I’m not going to bother asking. Towards the end of the set The Killers were joined onstage by Pet Shop Boys to perform a duet of Always on My Mind, they even stayed to sing a Killers hit, Human. Not bad going seeing as both bands are complete musical opposites. As the awesome night drew to a close Johnny Marr joined the band whilst they did a cover version of The Charming Man. I’ve heard the original and the Killers cover was quite good.

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Other performances during the day were from Tame Impala and Lewis Capaldi as well as Hot Chip. Overall, another fantastic night

 

Stormzy@Glastonbury 2019

June 29, 2019 — Leave a comment

UK grime rap music saw history being made today as British grime rap artist, Stormzy, made his headline debut on Glastonbury’s headlining slot tonight. The night was getting dark, the stage was a awash the incredible lighting effects in preparation for what was about to happen. Stormzy at last made his much anticipated debut on the main stage. Every potential headliners dream and for him it certainly was. He opened his set with Know Me From, even donning a union-jack bullet-proof vest (nice touch, I think). Fists were in the air, adrenaline was rising and anticipation was going sky-high. Stormzy churned his way through is set which by all accounts was absolutely epic to say the least. The first four songs of his set were solo, no-one on the stage but him though between Mr Skeng and Cigarettes & Cush the crowds were treated to a fluidic set by a ballet dancing duo. You don’t see that every year at Glastonbury, at least not on the pyramid stage anyway. By this point the blood, seat and tears were simply oozing as Stormzy continued his way through his set performing fresh songs such as Cold, Crown, Bad Boys, Shut Up. During his set he was joined by Chris Martin from Coldplay to perform Blinded By Your Grace pt 1. Part 2 was done later on with gospel backing. Whilst performing he even did a cover version of 00’s hit Sweet Like Chocolate. The crowds just couldn’t get enough, it it liked Stormzy couldn’t either. In keeping with the charts he was joined by other rappers to perform Funky Friday which made history by becoming the first British rap song to top the UK charts. Like all musical greats he ended his set on his epic track, Big For Your Boots. Towards the end of his set he paid tribute to several other grime/rap artists who helped pave the way for him and many others waiting in the wings such as Ms Banks. All I can say is that today/tonight musical history was made by having the first-ever British rap artist headline Glastonbury. TRULY EPIC!!!!!

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Also performing today were Two Door Cinema Club who performed all their hits including Satellite and George Ezra who wowed huge crowds with his hits including Shotgun and Paradise.

Introducing Bria @Metronome, Nottingham, 5/6/19

June 9, 2019 — Leave a comment

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Down on the basement ground the doors opened at 6pm and a small crowd poured into Studio 1 at the Metronome, ready for their gig with upcoming Nottingham musician, Bria Buxton. Better known by her stage-name, Bria. She has been active in the local music scene for the three years now writing, producing and making her own material. Crowds of 30+ gathered themselves to hear her new single Strangest of Lovers which is out on EP/LP right now, courtesy of Denizen Records. Bria is a musical gem in Nottingham’s music scene and has the voice that can cut straight through the crowds. She is a talented songwriter and singer, as a musician she has the incredible ability to bring her words to life through music.

Bria’s voice oozes melody, carries pure emotion and her performance grabbed the attention of the entire room. The entire room was just completely enchanted by her and there was no shortage of love for her. As an artist her vocal ability is of the same quality of the likes of Christina Perrie and Adele and sounds like the type you could hear as the official soundtrack in a hit film. She has worked with the musical great, Gareth Jones, who has worked with Depeche Mode and Madness. Judging by the sound of her music and official single, they have both worked and produced an absolute corker of a song.

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Can definitely see this doing well on the download. Since 2017 she has been gracing audiences with her beautiful voice, she takes musical influences from First Aid Kit, Jake Bugg and Phoebe Bridgers, all of whom are from Nottingham and have acquired massive followings. When it comes to music, Nottingham is the place to see fresh, new emerging talent. Keep your eye on Bria Buxton, she is an incredibly talented singer and songwriter and is on the road to bigger things. 2019/20 is to be her year. Have a listen and see what you think

Graham Norton/Taylor Swift

May 24, 2019 — Leave a comment

Just caught a glimpse, well heard a glimpse actually, of Taylor Swift’s new song, Me, just a few minutes ago and I have to admit it’s not overly bad. The songs does it its moments in terms of the way in which it’s structured and has a sort of ‘girly vibe’ to it. Now I openly admit that I’m not a huge fan of Taylor Swift yet I openly admit that she’s a good singer and has a big vocal range on her. In regards to her singing abilities she’s actually quite good and seems, displays full confidence in herself and shows a commanding presence whenever she’s on the stage. In tonight’s performance she had great backing singers who appeared to be more like actual band members than just average backing singers. However, despite the fact that her new single sounds good I won’t be rushing to buy or download it anytime soon. Me is out now and is on her new album of which the title has yet to be released.

Also on the sofa were James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Sophie Turner and Jessica Chastain to discuss the new upcoming X-Men film, Dark Phoenix which comes out in early June. As an X-Men I genuinely can’t wait for this

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MusicNotts Talks With… Ben Mark Smith

May 12, 2019 — Leave a comment

The latest from the MusicNotts Talks With… series, this one’s with Nottingham’s own Ben Mark Smith, have a read and enjoy  🙂

http://musicnotts.com/musicnotts-talks-with-ben-mark-smith/

 

Graham Norton/Shakespear’s Sister

May 10, 2019 — Leave a comment

I first remember hearing ‘Stay’ when it first came out and it was a powerhouse of a hit, Siobahn and Marcella’s voices just hit all the right notes, and within all intents and purposes it was a rich, powerful song with deep, gothic quality. It’s been 27 years since they performed it and it’s not lost any of its touch. Sound-wise it’s got a bit lighter but then you’re just reminded of how great Siobahn and Marcella sound together. Stay still holds the record for the the most weeks at no.1, eight impressive weeks back in it’s heyday. It’s one of those songs that defies time and still sounds as incredible as it did back then. Anyway, the ladies of Shakespear are releasing a new album called Singles Party, can’t wait. A great comeback for Shakespear’s Sister. Also on the sofa were Will Smith, Naomi Scott, Kevin Hart and Octavia Spencer.

MusicNotts Talks With… Evil Scarecrow

April 11, 2019 — Leave a comment

An interview I did a while back with Nottingham/Derby band, Evil Scarecrow. Think K.I.S.S meets gruesome slasher with full-on screamo vocals you get these guys. And some strange dance-moves (just go to a gig you’ll get it)

http://musicnotts.com/musicnotts-talks-with-evil-scarecrow/

 

Colt 48 + support @ The Albert, Nottingham 7/3/19

April 11, 2019 — Leave a comment

The doors opened at 6pm and the people gradually poured themselves in for to one of Nottingham’s night spots. Live music and beers all round for everyone. Colt 48, who are nearing the end of their current tour with Cotton Mouth, 10 Gauge and Down in One. The night was held at The Albert, formerly known as Spanky Van Dykes. The name of the venue may have changed but the general vibe of the place hasn’t. No introduction was needed for Cotton Mouth, mainly cos they did it themselves, but these guys let their music do the talking for them. Local lads, and all from Nottingham, they’ve been around for at least three years but are showing promise and definitely know how to get the crowds going. They are a fusion of rock, metal and grunge along with strong vocals and energetic presence and took the stage with ease. Now 10 Gauge, I’m just going to go out there and say it sound like legendary pros and even their lead man who is from our side of the Atlantic sounds like he like an American export.

Vocally he just hits all the right notes. By this point the adrenaline was rising, as was the sweat from the excitement of people punching their fists in the air. He got everyone to get on the floor at one point. Down in One were as game for a laugh as they were for creating riffs, the lead singer made a couple of jokes about their drummer being the next 007. Now that’d be interesting. Front-man, Gon, was literally a whirlwind of energy as he just wouldn’t stop moving from either side of the stage.

Colt 48 closed the night by singing a mixture of original songs as well as a Gotye cover, ‘Somebody That I used to Know’, just in case you were wondering. I admit it’s always interesting when bands pull-off song covers as you never know where they’re going to take it. Throughout the gig he switched between two microphones and was just a ball of energy throughout and the crowds got up close and personal by this point. Lead singer, Adam Jerome, closed the set on ‘Enemy’, a track so new it’s not even been recorded yet. Overall, a great night. Keep your eyes on these guys, they’ll be coming to a music venue near you.

 

In The Spotlight: Vic Mensa – Down on my Luck

March 6, 2019 — 1 Comment

Now this record came out ages ago but is still, in my opinion, an amazing dance/hip hop record, with a mixing of deep house. Down on my Luck came out in 2014 and even though it didn’t do spectacularly well it still received quite a lot of airplay on various mainstream radio stations such as Capital and Radio 1. Continuing on that note though I’m surprised it didn’t stick around for just that bit longer as with the right amount of enthusiasm it could’ve got even higher. It’s one of those tracks where even though it lacked in one element it certainly made up for it in another.
Song-wise, the lyrics don’t seem to match what’s happening in the video, also they contain references to Hollywood culture.

If you’ve ever seen the video it actually has its moments in terms of comedy and scenarios, also it includes moments time rewinding. In the video there’s a girl who he notices and tries to make his way to her and in doing so ends up in various scenarios including being punched in the face, being stopped for a selfie. At one point in the video he’s vomited on by a girl and run over by a vehicle.

By the time you’ve got to the end of the video he’s outside of the club having a smoke whilst walking away. Lyrically the chorus acts as a sort of hook and just seems to go around and round, “When I get down on my luck I hide behind my eyes in Hollywood”. The song itself ends in with a sort of in-your-face style ending as it’s kind of a ‘screw you’ type of statement “Cause they told you to, why you listen to ’em Hands up, middle finger ’em Fuck that get down”.
If you ever get the chance to, watch the video cause even if you don’t quite get what’s going on the antics are to some degree laughable.