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Current Mood: 
mellow
mellowCurrent Music: Jose Gonzalez
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thefanatic
01 February 2008 @ 11:04 pm
What's in a stereotype? Is it our chance to show off our individuality; or is it just another reason to be a clone and follow everyone else? It used to be 'cool' to be individual, it would be the way of loudly declaring that 'I'm different' through the subtle way that you dress, yet with many people dressing the same in an attempt to be quirky, unique and individual it's certainly not hard to see where stereotyping has derived from. It's this strereotyping that makes you feel obliged to dress a certain way if you like a certain type of music, making you feel like your not a real fan if you're not dressing in the correct way. It shouldn't be about image if you genuinely like the music, but other people may disagree, saying that dressing in a certain style shows your appreciation towards a band and could help create a sense of unity and supportiveness.
However, stereotyping takes away the band (and the main focus of its music) and puts the limelight on dressing and acceptance, if you like a band but don't necessarily want to dress in the expected fashion of that music genre than it really shouldn't be an issue. It's strange how wearing a certain colour or item of clothing standardises you into this group, whereby it seems you must belong and adhere to the rules of cloning.
In fact, with people trying to dress individually - but neverthless failing - it has stripped the main objective that was there in the first place...which is being unique. If someone dresses individually, the trend catches on and everyone dresses the same then it really isn't individual anymore as individual means one person and more than one doesn't mean invidiudal, does it? To be honest, everyone should focus on the music more and stop stereotyping as it tries to mould you into this perfect image and type. We're all human, we're all genetically different, and that, ultimately, is as close to being an individual as you can possibly get.
However, stereotyping takes away the band (and the main focus of its music) and puts the limelight on dressing and acceptance, if you like a band but don't necessarily want to dress in the expected fashion of that music genre than it really shouldn't be an issue. It's strange how wearing a certain colour or item of clothing standardises you into this group, whereby it seems you must belong and adhere to the rules of cloning.
In fact, with people trying to dress individually - but neverthless failing - it has stripped the main objective that was there in the first place...which is being unique. If someone dresses individually, the trend catches on and everyone dresses the same then it really isn't individual anymore as individual means one person and more than one doesn't mean invidiudal, does it? To be honest, everyone should focus on the music more and stop stereotyping as it tries to mould you into this perfect image and type. We're all human, we're all genetically different, and that, ultimately, is as close to being an individual as you can possibly get.
Current Mood: cheerful
cheerful28 January 2008 @ 04:37 pm
Barfly is a firmly established venue in Camden, North London, where, if you want to catch a glimpse of future bands who have the talent to make it big, it's where you should be heading. Bands to grace the stage in the past include the likes of Coldplay, Feeder and The Strokes.
From the outside, the Barfly looks rather bland and unoriginal; something you wouldn't associate with a venue that is renowned for it's deliverance of top quality bands. But looks aren't everything...it's what's on the inside that counts...
Inside, the downstairs bar area is considerably more inviting than the exterior decor, with it's spacious, open plan area the room seems to ooze confidence itself. The layout of the room seems inviting, with various places to sit and areas that are more enclosed, which gives it a more personal and inviting feel in a space which is quite expansive.
As you wander along a rather dark and dingy corridor, up the stairs, past the scary looking toilets you arrive in a small room that resembles a box. Not to exaggerate but the room is very poky and, I guess you could call it intimate if it means you could get an atmosphere that is cosy and snug. The colour of the walls are rather dark, which gives an opressed feeling, in comparison to the open area downstairs which feels rather bright and airy compared to this 'cupboard'. Now, maybe there's nothing wrong with being in a small room, but it's not something you would think you would find in a venue in London, which is big and buzzing. To be totally honest, the Barfly is far from thrilling, but maybe that lack of excitement is what makes it so effortlessly cool, as it's definitely not trying too hard to be.
Current Mood: 
exhausted
exhaustedCurrent Music: The Arctic Monkeys
26 January 2008 @ 04:55 pm
Review of the Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong gig at Esquires can be found at http://www.bedfordesquires.co.uk/ and clicking on the 'Reviews' section
I'd be happy to do a review of any bands/gigs, just leave a comment on this page or message me on my myspace at http://www.myspace.com/goodolestacyjo
Finally, check out http://ampedreviews.net/ which is a music review site that I have begun writing for.
Thanks!
Current Mood: cheerful
cheerfulCurrent Music: Live Lounge 2 CD
21 January 2008 @ 04:47 pm
What a tough time Britney Spears is having at the moment, with a breakdown, split from husband Kevin Federline plus losing custody to her two beloved boys, what else can go wrong? Spears' behaviour has become more erractic, wild and crazy over the past year and she looks to go into further decline if she carries on this way. So what has happened to that innocent, chart-topping blonde we all once knew and adored?
Her obvious plea for help began in 2007, when she publicly shaved her hair off to be left with a gleaming bald head. It is not quite understood why she did this; there have been numerous rumours ranging from she wanted to shave her heard in tribute of her Aunt who battled cancer to she wanted to rebel against her Mother, whose relationship with Britney has been rocky and unstable. However, what is clear is that Britney is seeking attention, something is lacking in her life and she is acting drastically to draw attention to herself, to higlight that she desperately needs help.
In 1999, Britney released her first single 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' and propelled to stardom, with preceding songs totalling sales of over eighty-three million records worldwide. She has been rated as the eighth best selling female in American history - with so much succes it's no wonder it would overwhelm her at some point. Her fame began when she joined the Mickey Mouse Club (along with other stars such as Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera) and it seems she has always been in the eye of the public, which could add to the demanding pressure that is being such a star for most of her life.
Seemingly, if a child has been in the spotlight at a young age they have been deprived of what most of us take for granted - a childhood. Performing constantly must take a toll on your growing up; you have to take on a perfectionist attitude and having that grit and determination in an industry that is so competitive. Britney must have had ambition, as you need ambition (and of course, talent) to succeed. However, it seems that Britney's Mum, Lynne was a 'pushy parent' who wanted her child to do the best possible and Britney must have been under pressure. When you're a young child the world seems so much different to the reality, it would be easy for Britney to get sucked into a world that is based upon image, performance and ambition.
Overall, it is easy to see why Britney has crumbled. 'Normal' people with an average life and career would find lives grievances tough on their own; but add fame and it becomes disastrous. What with all the media attention Britney has been recieving lately it is easy to see how someone can get so depressed and fed up that they just lash out and react in a crazy manner. Fame can be brilliant in small doses, but it seems Britney has taken one big overdose and it's become too much for her to handle.
Her obvious plea for help began in 2007, when she publicly shaved her hair off to be left with a gleaming bald head. It is not quite understood why she did this; there have been numerous rumours ranging from she wanted to shave her heard in tribute of her Aunt who battled cancer to she wanted to rebel against her Mother, whose relationship with Britney has been rocky and unstable. However, what is clear is that Britney is seeking attention, something is lacking in her life and she is acting drastically to draw attention to herself, to higlight that she desperately needs help.
In 1999, Britney released her first single 'Hit Me Baby One More Time' and propelled to stardom, with preceding songs totalling sales of over eighty-three million records worldwide. She has been rated as the eighth best selling female in American history - with so much succes it's no wonder it would overwhelm her at some point. Her fame began when she joined the Mickey Mouse Club (along with other stars such as Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera) and it seems she has always been in the eye of the public, which could add to the demanding pressure that is being such a star for most of her life.
Seemingly, if a child has been in the spotlight at a young age they have been deprived of what most of us take for granted - a childhood. Performing constantly must take a toll on your growing up; you have to take on a perfectionist attitude and having that grit and determination in an industry that is so competitive. Britney must have had ambition, as you need ambition (and of course, talent) to succeed. However, it seems that Britney's Mum, Lynne was a 'pushy parent' who wanted her child to do the best possible and Britney must have been under pressure. When you're a young child the world seems so much different to the reality, it would be easy for Britney to get sucked into a world that is based upon image, performance and ambition.
Overall, it is easy to see why Britney has crumbled. 'Normal' people with an average life and career would find lives grievances tough on their own; but add fame and it becomes disastrous. What with all the media attention Britney has been recieving lately it is easy to see how someone can get so depressed and fed up that they just lash out and react in a crazy manner. Fame can be brilliant in small doses, but it seems Britney has taken one big overdose and it's become too much for her to handle.
21 January 2008 @ 04:32 pm
Check out my short report at
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blast/showcase/writ
It's about music and downloading and how it affects the industry.
Thanks!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blast/showcase/writ
It's about music and downloading and how it affects the industry.
Thanks!
Current Mood: happy
happy19 January 2008 @ 01:41 pm
A list of the 'must go to' upcoming gigs in the hottest venues in the Beds/Cambs area. It's not hard...find the band you've desperately wanted to see for months, travel to the venue, watch them play...it doesn't get much easier than that!
Bedford Esquires http://www.bedfordesquires.co.uk/
Thurs 24th January - Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong
Sat 2nd February - Lightspeed Champion
Tues 5th February - Robots In Disguise
Sat 9th February - Les Savy Fav
Mon 11th February - Late Of The Pier
Tues 12th February - Los Campesinos!
Fri 22nd February - I Was A Cub Scout
Thurs 28th February - These New Puritans
RECOMMENDED! Los Campesinos!
The Junction http://www.junction.co.uk
Weds 12th Feb - Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.
Fri 22nd Feb - The Rivetes + Little Thief, Spiral Soul and Policy
Mon 25th Feb - The Go! Team
RECOMMENDED! Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly.
Cambridge Corn Exchange http://www.cornex.co.uk
Fri 15th February - NME Shockwaves Tour feat. The Cribs, Joe Lean & The Jing Jang Jong and more.
Fri 22nd February - Natasha Bedingfield
RECOMMENDED! NME Shockwaves Tour
Current Mood: bored
bored17 January 2008 @ 04:14 pm
Foals are technically young horses less than a year old but in the world of music they're a five-piece dance-punk band from Oxford whose sound can be described as a mix of indie, techno and math-rock. Pursuing a career in music is always a big risk, with so much competition around and bands they sound all too similar it takes determination and dedication to succeed; yet Foals are Undergraduates who have dropped out of Oxford University after just one year - they certainly have the brains, but what about the talent?
As of yet, they have not released an album (it's due in March 2008, entitled 'Antidote'), but in the world of the Internet this means zilch in terms of popularity. Browsing their Myspace page it is clear these guys are growing in popularity with an impressive listing of gigs from Glasgow to Brighton and all the way across the North Atlantic to New York, this band clearly is making their name known. The beginning of 'Balloons' makes you want to stop and listen carefully to all the action, the cacophony of sounds is energetic and alive. 'Hummer' sounds like something that has been devised without much thought, with the clash of instruments sounding mismatched at first but then fitting together like the pieces of a jigsaw. Touches of electronic element weave their way throughout 'Hummer' and there is no stopping the fact that you want to tap your feet and fingers, regardless of whether you can keep up with the stuttered beat.
An opinion to be deemed worthy...
I saw Foals play live on December 15th 2007, at the Alexandra Palace where they supported the talented Bloc Party and after months of listening to them through their Myspace I was anticipating a great set. Now to say I was disappointed would be a bit harsh, they just did not meet my expectations. It wasn't because they sounded nothing like their Myspace, in fact, they sounded every inch of what they do on their songs. There's no denying that they're talented and the music is undeniably catchy, it's just they didn't put on much of a show. You really have got to have the whole package; I don't know if it's just me but I like a band that interacts with a crowd, or at least looks at them. Lead singer Yannis didn't appear to be enjoying himself much and half of the time he was facing side on to the crowd, intent upon playing his music. I'm not saying there's nothing wrong with being intent on your music as the music is primarily what you come to hear...but it felt like they were the Foals, we were the crowd, separate, detached. I like the music of Foals but I'm not entirely convinced that I like Foals altogether.
As of yet, they have not released an album (it's due in March 2008, entitled 'Antidote'), but in the world of the Internet this means zilch in terms of popularity. Browsing their Myspace page it is clear these guys are growing in popularity with an impressive listing of gigs from Glasgow to Brighton and all the way across the North Atlantic to New York, this band clearly is making their name known. The beginning of 'Balloons' makes you want to stop and listen carefully to all the action, the cacophony of sounds is energetic and alive. 'Hummer' sounds like something that has been devised without much thought, with the clash of instruments sounding mismatched at first but then fitting together like the pieces of a jigsaw. Touches of electronic element weave their way throughout 'Hummer' and there is no stopping the fact that you want to tap your feet and fingers, regardless of whether you can keep up with the stuttered beat.
An opinion to be deemed worthy...
I saw Foals play live on December 15th 2007, at the Alexandra Palace where they supported the talented Bloc Party and after months of listening to them through their Myspace I was anticipating a great set. Now to say I was disappointed would be a bit harsh, they just did not meet my expectations. It wasn't because they sounded nothing like their Myspace, in fact, they sounded every inch of what they do on their songs. There's no denying that they're talented and the music is undeniably catchy, it's just they didn't put on much of a show. You really have got to have the whole package; I don't know if it's just me but I like a band that interacts with a crowd, or at least looks at them. Lead singer Yannis didn't appear to be enjoying himself much and half of the time he was facing side on to the crowd, intent upon playing his music. I'm not saying there's nothing wrong with being intent on your music as the music is primarily what you come to hear...but it felt like they were the Foals, we were the crowd, separate, detached. I like the music of Foals but I'm not entirely convinced that I like Foals altogether.
Current Mood: hungry
hungry16 January 2008 @ 07:01 pm
It's 2008. 2007 is so last year. So what is hot in the world of music? Well, firstly, there is a lot of new talent emerging and you should keep your eye out for these un-signed bands that slowly - but surely - are getting themselves known without minimal fuss. Then, suddenly, before you know it these bands are cropping up absolutely everywhere; you begin to wear that smug little face after knowing how good these bands were before they made it big. It is a lovely feeling listening to bands and attending their gigs before they've hit the big time as all bands have to start somewhere, and being at their first little, intimate gigs is a personal experience. Plus it's great to say 'I told you so' after your friends didn't believe that a certain band were worth listening too. It makes you feel like you've been hiding some secret that you want to hold on to forever but eventually you realise you have to let go. So stop being selfish and give everyone else a chance to listen!
So, who should you look out for in the year or 2008?
IF THERE'S GOING TO BE ONE BIG BAND THIS YEAR IT WILL BE...
Okay, so they don't have the most attractive looking name and it resembles something similar to a tongue twister (much like red lorry, yellow lorry...try saying that?) but names aren't everything. Someone may have the most ridiculous name in the world yet it doesn't make them any inferior or any less to succeed, and that's the case with Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong.
So what's all this Jing Jang Jong, Ping Pang Pong nonsense about?
Firstly, it's not nonsense. They are rather good. Part of the indie genre that seems to be taking the music scene by storm, Joe Lean... are an all male band based in London and have supported the likes of Babyshambles, Cansei De Ser Sexy and Kaiser Chiefs. Not just a stupid name now, I see. Their first single 'Lucio Starts Fire' was released in October 2007 and they have been climbing the popularity stakes steadily since. 'Lucio Starts Fire' is a mixture of happiness, stuttering and the slight touch of angst and, combined with lyrics that really do not seem relevant ('and Lucio is my middle name') 'Lucio Starts Fire' is not a bad first single.
The follow up to 'Lucio Starts Fire': 'Lonely Buoy' will hopefully be released on 18th February 2008 and contains the same happy aura that is created by their first success. Simplicity is the key and this is what makes their songs so infectious.
Visit their Myspace to see when they are touring.
http://www.myspace.com/joeleanandthejing
IF YOU LISTEN TO ONE BAND THIS YEAR MAKE IT...
Guildean Gang
Listening to the likes of Guildean Gang is a cheery experience - expect nothing depressing or melancholy about this band. Their songs make you want to jump around on the spot, the guitar riffs make you want to shake your hips and the catchy lyrics get permanently embedded in your head. Each song is like your favourite meal, you savour every moment and once it's finished you can't wait for more.
If you get to see Guildean Gang live they do just what is intended - perform. They churn out songs that seem to flow smoothly into one another and, along with their fun nature, this is ultimately what makes them so tasty, just like that favourite meal.
Must listen to: Swirls, Can't You See Emily, Pat Attack, Jack
www.myspace.com/guildeangang
FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT MAKE IT...
Robyn
Robyn is like a more eccentric and cooler Kylie Minouge. The fact she's pint size does compare her to Ms. Minouge yet Robyn has one thing Kylie lacks slightly - individuality. Just look at Robyn, with her peroxide bleached hair and quirky dress sense you can see how someone that is different just has to be adored. Her music is vibrant and fresh. This is what pop music sounds like in 2008.
Favourite lyrics:
But you’re a selfish narcissistic psycho
Freaking bootlicking Nazi creep and
You can’t handle me
Current Mood: busy