Tom Odell on The Graham Norton Show

Just been watching Tom Odell perform his latest single ‘Magnetised’ on The Graham Norton Show on BBC1, what an absolute tune. I loved it. Odell is an amazing artist in the making and that was one fantastic live performance tonight. Tom will be performing at Glastonbury the is year, look forward to hearing him singing this song. Taken from his new album Wrong Crowd, if any of the other songs are as good as Magnetised then I’m definitely getting the album.

Alicia Keys on The Graham Norton Show and Laura Mvula on The One Show

Watched two amazingly talented women on TV tonight; Alicia Keys perform her new single ‘In Common’, live on the Graham Norton Show on BBC1. And Laura Mvula on The One Show. Ms Keys was as great as ever and her new single sounds fresh and different to what she’s originally done in the past. For me, what made this even more raw was that she had no make-up whatsoever. Other than that the new song’s actually quite good, I look forward to hearing more of it.

Laura Mvula performed live from the Eden Project in Cornwall in front of an audience of hundreds, and it was just incredible. Her new song ‘Phenomenal Woman is the perfect blend of rock and R&B with a little bit of soul in the mix. The lyrics were energetic, fresh and all in all, lively. This is one woman who’s talents and music I admit I am drawn to, despite being more of a rock/soul and dance guy.

 

BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Exeter: The Highlights

One Republic opened the second day of the weekend on the mainstage kickstarting another day of live music presented by Scott Mills, Annie Mac, Cel Spellman and Greg James. With coverage featuring live perfomances by The Last Shadow Puppets (as well as an interview), Alessia Cara and The Weeknd. DJ/Producer Alesso treated everyone to an impressive set in the In New Music We Trust stage, and what a performance it was. There was live radio coverage of Iggy Azalea which unfortunately had to be cut short due to strong language. Pity, it was on my favourite song. There were new videos from Nick Jonas for his new single ‘Close’ with Tove Lo; Tinie Tempah & Zara Larsson’s ‘Girls Like’ and Jake Bugg ‘Gimme The Love’. There was also a special video from Taylor Swift featuring Greg James (lucky beggar) for her single Blank Space. Panic At The Disco did an amazing cover of Bohemian Rhapsody, whilst shirtless (I kid you not). However all attention goes to Coldplay who stole the show as the headlining act closing the weekend event with an amazing set on BBC4.

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.