Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Exeter: The Highlights

It’s first day of BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Exeter and it’s been great so far. With live streams presented by Radio 1’s Annie Mac, Nick Grimshaw, Alice Levine and 1Xtra’s Mistajam providing backstage coverage from the BBC Introducing stage. Nick Jonas opened the events on the main stage. Current highlights have included live, energetic performances by Slaves, Chvrches, Paloma Faith who even did her hit duet with Sigma. There were new videos from Biffy Clyro of their new single ‘Wolves of Winter’ and Desiinger with his new video ‘Panda’. Both videos looked pretty good. There was a live streamed set by The Hunna on the BBC Introducing stage which unfortunately had to be cut after 15 seconds due to bad language. Pity really, they did seem quite good on first appearances. Mumford & Sons however stole the show as the headliners on the main stage over on BBC4.

As a dedicated music and festival fan I personally am disappointed that I could only access most live performances, backstage gossip and interviews via the red button service. This is what was great about BBC3 when it was a TV channel as they showed over 6 hours of non-stop coverage. The BBC made a huge mistake taking the channel off the air, they should reverse their decision even if on a temporary basis. As a channel you knew where it was. No music fan should have to rely solely on the Radio 1 website or red button service for coverage. And they definitely shouldn’t have to wait till 22:30 just to catch that one televised act.

Corinne Bailey Rae on The Graham Norton Show

Just watched over four minutes of Corinne Bailey Rae performing her new single ‘Stop Where You Are’ on The Graham Norton Show right now on BBC1. What a performance and an amazing song. She’s one talented woman who’s got that soulful, soothing voice that can speak emotions and is incredible to listen to. I love it. For a song that’s over 4 minutes long you’re gonna like it after just one. If soul/R&B is your thing, then I’d definitely recommend Bailey Rae for your playlist. Taken from her new album The Heart Speaks in Whispers. I’ve absolutely loved her since she released her very first debut single and still love her now. If her new single’s anything to go by then I’m definitely going to get the album.

Elton John and Bright Light Bright Light on Graham Norton

Just been watching Elton John and Rod Thomas a.k.a Bright Light Bright Light perform their new single ‘All In The Name’ on the Graham Norton Show on BBC1. Not quite my thing in musical tastes but is wasn’t too bad a single. Apparently the guy (Rod) is Welsh, which is something I’ve partially got in common with him. Me being half Welsh. I’m going to give him 8 1/2 for his singing and musical ability but a 3 (out of 10) for the song performed. Sorry but I just didn’t really dig that particular track.

Eurovision Song Contest 2016

Congrats are in order for Ukraine on winning Saturday’s Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with their song ‘1944’, courtesy of their singer Jamala. Unfortunately this has managed to rub Russia up the wrong way and are said to be intending to boycott next years’ edition. That’d be a first. They seem to think it’s an anti-Kremlin song. Personally I find it absolutely ironic (and hilarious) that for a country (formerly the USSR) that likes to strike fear into the hearts of the western world that they get worked up over rivalry victory and a Austrian drag queen.

On another note I admit voted for Hungary (Freddie) to win as I liked their entry but admit I was blown over by Georgia’s entry (Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz). Pity about Joe and Jake, 3rd to last. It was a nice treat seeing Justin Timberlake perform and I hope you enjoyed the show America.

All I can say is congratulations on your victory Ukraine, well done Jamala

The Pet Shop Boys on The Graham Norton Show

Just been listening to the Pet Shop Boys perform their latest single “Pop Kids” on the Graham Norton Show, it actually sounds really good. Though their sound’s more 80’s/90’s it still sounds good today. Neil Tennant still sounds as good as ever. I may end up being tempted to buy the album if the rest of the album’s any good.

Eves The Behaviour review: ‘TV’

 

The video to the single is in itself interesting as it looks like it partially set in a hospital, and dramatic scenes are definitely worth the watch alone.

 

 

The Singles Review

The Last Shadow Puppets

“Bad Habits”

An amazing hit tune courtesy of Alex Turner’s (Arctic Monkeys), Miles Kane’s, James Ford’s and Zach Dawes’s super group . Incredible rock tune and just can’t get enough of it and is yet another reason why these five lads are worthy of your playlist this year alone. The lyrics are catchy and the song itself is both addictive and a joy to listen to. I absolutely love this.

The Pink Slips

“Foxy Feline”

Direct from Seattle, this band have one fully energised song that can prove to be addictive listening. For anyone who likes their power/punk rock this is one for you. With the repetitive She’s a femme fatale, she’s a foxy feline, she’s a femme fatale, she’s a foxy feline going round your head a few times you’ll understand why this can be some seriously addictive listening pleasure. I’ve seen the video to this on YouTube and if the video doesn’t get your fancy, chances are the song will.

Lower Than Atlantis

“Get Over It”

For anyone who’s a fan of Brit rock and happens to love these guys get this one on your playlist now. I’ve heard this song a few times and it’s reassured my love of this band. The song is both captivating and raw and the lyrics are great. Get over this song and time soon…. I think not.

 

 

The Singles Review

Maroon 5

“This Summer’s Gonna Hurt…”

This is one amazing single and is one of the reasons why you remember why you loved Maroon 5 and after the first few seconds you’re already hooked and that’s before the first lyric. Very catchy and upbeat song and after more than a decade in music this band’s music just gets better and better and Adam Levine’s vocals are absolutely fantastic. This is definitely one for the summer playlist and one you can help but love. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself singing ‘This Summer’s Gonna Hurt’ from the top of your voice.

Example

“Whisky Story”

One full on energised tune, just incredible listening and you’re going to want to listen again and again. Example’s vocal are as amazing as ever and is a reminder why he’s an amazing artist in the British music scene and is just sheer proof that he just seems to get better and better. If you thought ‘Change the Way Kiss Me’, ‘Looking for Love’ were amazing then ‘Whisky Song is a move in another direction. Just stick this one your playlist and be amazed by what you hear.

TS7 ft Taylor Fowlis

“Heartlight”

This northern lass has got one of the most haunting yet soulful voice that you’re going to hear in a while, and even the bass is just spot on. The song itself is brilliant and the first lyric ‘Couldn’t escape if I wanted to’ is catchy. All the way from Liverpool and yet still unknown to many this woman’s got a catchy dance/R&B track that’s just too good to ignore. Just listen and after the first 15 seconds it wouldn’t at all be surprising if you hit the repeat button on this one.