#SONGOFTHEDAY

Well, it's been a while... 

JoJo - Agape Mixtape [2012]

If I'm honest, a lot has happened since my last post, but far too much to discuss right now. Perhaps in future posts? Who knows. Anyway, I'm BACK, and want to give this blog as much attention as possible, as it's such a great creative channel for me, and I love sharing the music I'm listening to right now, to others who may enjoy! 

So today's post is a little different, as it's actually a 13 track mixtape. I've always secretly loved Jojo (well, it's out in the open now!), and her debut album, Jojo, was a secure favourite of my 15 year old self. During college, when I started to explore the likes of Oasis, The Holloways, Kings of Leon etc, it's safe to say, I only saw my love for RnB as a early teen "phase." Turns out, this isn't the case. I came across this mixtape of Jojo only yesterday and have been listening to it non-stop. I think what I like most, as that it moves itself away from the generic, polished RnB album, and steps into its own genre. Agape is 25 minutes of uninterrupted musical mastery, snippets of Jojo speaking from various 'drunken nights,' acoustic numbers, and let's not forget her amazing vocal range. Unfortunately, like other artists in the game, Jojo seems to be one of the lesser known. However, with another mixtape #LoveJo released/leaked this year, there's proof that she's got more to give. 

Have it on in the background, whilst you're tidying, or revising, or writing, and let's see what you think!

Ciao for now!

Charlie XO

SONG OF THE DAY

Paloma Faith - Can't Rely On You [Live From The Kitchen]

My Sunday mornings usually consist of: Channel 4's Sunday Brunch, a side of pancakes, and a cuppa to wash it down with. Paloma Faith was on the show a few weeks ago, and she's always been a musical engima in my eyes. I've always admired her as an artist,(as well as her incredible wardrobe), but I've never sat down and listened to one of her albums. That was until, I requested to review Paloma Faith's latest release, A Perfect Contradiction. As a freelance music journalist, I think it's important to write about other genres, you might not be familiar with. I found myself using the same vocabulary, and wanted to nip this in the bud ASAP. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard the album, not everything is to my taste, but I love, love, LOVE 'Can't Rely On You,' and 'Only Love Can Hurt Like This.' The video I used for this post is so amazing and pitch perfect. I love it when artists record tracks in ordinary, yet unusual places, like when Lucy Rose played 'Place' in a local park. A Perfect Contradiction, takes you on a little ride to the 50's, 70's disco, and right through to 2014.

Stay tuned for my album review of A Perfect Contradiction on thegirlsare website!

SONG OF THE DAY



Gallant - Die Young (Ke$ha Cover) Prd. Felix Snow

First of all: T.G.I.F!
Right, glad I got that outta my system! Anyway, back to the music...
I "Shazamed" Gallant, the first time I heard his track; 'Manhattan,' on Radio 1. It instantly gave me frisson. (New word I've learnt recently. It's a bit like when Cher in Clueless tells Tye to use "sporadic" in a sentence; there was my attempt of using "frisson"). ANYWAY... This Friday feeling has totally taken over my stream of conciousness!
There isn't much hype around Gallant yet, which is a shame, as he's such a talent and is my new favourite melody maker! The track I've chosen is a Ke$ha cover. (I know what you're thinking... Ke$ha?!) She's the kinda gal who "makes" music, which you'll normally hear, blasting from the speakers of a very sticky club, but Gallant has transformed her hit 'Die Young.' It's beautiful and haunting, which gradually builds to a crescendo of champions, and before you know it, it's over... It's great to listen to on my commute home; speakers loud, drowning out the drones of monotony.    

BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB - LIVE REVIEW

Thursday 14^th March, Brixton Academy, 7:00pm

SET LIST:

Overdone

It’s Alright Now

Shuffle

Come To

Bad Timing

Lamplight

Evening/Morning

How Much Sleep Can you Swallow?

Home By Now

Feel

Lights Out, Words Gone

Eyes Off You

Whenever, Wherever

Luna

Always Like This

So Long, See You Tomorrow

ENCORE:

What If

Carry Me

I’d only ever been to Brixton Academy once, when I was about 15, to see Happy Mondays with my family. Since then, I’ve been to a lot more gigs/festivals, but never in Brixton. What I remembered was the large slope which created a great view, wherever you stood, and some much needed space to move around in.

After exploring the many food outlets in Brixton Village with my sister, we arrived at the venue just before 9pm. Perfect timing, as Bombay Bicycle Club didn’t come on until 9:15pm.

In interviews, the band seem very coy and shy. I saw them on Sunday Brunch, and, despite, their ever-growing successes, Jack Steadman and Jamie MacColl sat cool and calmly. It’s incredibly endearing, when the artists don’t know how good they are. Nothing worse than an “I think you are really fit, you’re fit, but my Gosh, don’t you know it,” moment, if you catch my drift.

‘Overdone’ kick-started the next 1 hour and 15minutes of Bombay Bicycle Club craziness. I was distracted, at first, by a group of underage fans, whose friend was a little over excited and attempted to create a mosh pit, (by this I mean jumping and falling into the row in front of him, who were less than impressed). They soon dispersed and my focus was reinstated.

The first song of a set is always a little blurry for me, as the wait for the band to come on stage, which feels like a lifetime, is suddenly over and the next thing you know, you’re surrounded by blinding lights and a loud echo of your favourite vocals. A lot of power and punch went into the first song of the evening, as Steadman swung himself round his guitar, without a single chord faltering. It was amazing to see Bombay Bicycle Club with such stage presence and really letting themselves go. Such a transformation from past TV appearances. They appeared confident, crazy, yet calm.  

They played So Long, See You Tomorrow in its entirety, but of course not forgetting tracks which made us fall in love with them in the first place.   

There wasn’t a great deal of band and crowd interaction. Steadman and co. were on to perform, and that they did. There was the occasional shout out, but, with the amount of gusto they were putting into their music, you could see and hear that it was all about the music. If they couldn’t find the words, their lyrics would.  

My sister and I were discussing what songs would be played on the encore, as most of their “hits” had already been played. My sister then said, “well, I’m sure they’ll pluck something out, which we’ve forgotten,’ and she wasn’t wrong. ‘What If’ came blasting out, and I was kicking myself for even disregarding it as an Encore track. Bombay Bicycle Club showcased their diversity last night. The accompaniment of brass, the bombay-infused sounds in 'Feel,' heavier guitar strums in 'Evening/Morning,' then drifting to chilled Coachella-esque chords in 'How Much Sleep Can You Swallow.' It's quite remarkable to see a band's musical growth, right before your very eyes.

I would see them again, and again, and again.  

Favourite Live Tracks: Evening/Morning, How Much Sleep Can You Swallow, Home By Now.

   

SONG OF THE DAY

Bombay Bicycle Club - Luna

You may have noticed, that I already uploaded a Bombay Bicycle Club track on the blog recently, but I just couldn't help myself, because a) their new album, So Long, See You Tomorrow is probably their best yet, and b)I'm seeing them live TONIGHT!

I'm planning on writing a live review for this gig. I know I may have said that for HAIM last week, but the dancing got a little out of hand, and normally I take notes, but I just couldnt stop my feet!
This time though, I'll have to be a lot more restrained, as I'll be seeing them on a "school night." 
My predictions for setlist:
Opening song: Overdone
Encore: Always Like This, Shuffle

SONG OF THE DAY

Sam Brookes - James

One of the things I love most about writing reviews for websites, is listening to an album or single before it gets released (especially if it's a good one!) Sam Brookes' debut album Kairos hits iTunes on March 17th, but 'James,' can already be found on Youtube. I've only given the record one uninterupted listen from start to finish, but what I can say already, is that it could be one of my favourites. Sam Brookes toured with Emily and the Woods last year and I'd never come across any of his music before. Since then, I've been waiting until his new material filters through the web, and I can finally say it's happened! What's even better, is, this whole album came about with the help of funding from local communities. They knew good music when they heard it.

My review of the whole album will be posted on this site http://www.forfolkssake.com/ next week! 

Stay tuned!

But, for now, please enjoy the jolly, jumpy, 'James.'

  

SONG OF THE DAY

The Melodic - On My Way

Are you mourning the loss of current music from Beirut? Well, there's a new band on the harmonious horizon, who will quench those fresh, folk-infused thirsts. The Melodic; a five-piece band from South London, have been quietly stepping further into the limelight. With their debut album, Effra Parade just hitting iTunes, touring with Johnny Flyyn across America and a recent live gig in one of London's biggest record stores, Rough Trade...
*AND BREATHE* 
... I'd say things are looking up.
I've had 'On My Way' in my head all weekend and just had to share. No doubt there'll be more tracks from the album cropping up on the blog soon. 
If you're in search for a band to remind you of Summer 2k14, The Melodic make the the perfect soundtrack.

  

"Here We Go Again"

Angus & Julia Stone - Here We Go Again

I've been a bit all over the place recently. Not in the literal sense, more in terms of where my heads at (cue Basement Jaxx's Where's Your Head At); particularly with what I'm going to do with this blog. I started out as a music blogger on Tumblr, but felt it wasn't getting much coverage, so decided to switch to blogspot. This opened up other doors for me, as I got inspired (and probably distracted), to write a fashion blog. I felt like the underdog (mainly 'cos in the photos I looked like one), but more importantly, I veered off from what I'd originally sought out to achieve in the "bloggersphere." It's imperative to try other avenues, but I always knew I wanted to write about music. I guess I felt lost in my own blog for a little while... (Getting deep right?)
Well... it took a combination of rediscovering Cocteau Twins, weeping at The Perks of Being a Wallflower, the new Bombay Bicycle Club album, and the incredibly inspirational Almost Famous to set my record straight, (pun definitely intended).

Consider this a much needed re-vamp for Reflect & The City. It's going back to its musical roots, just with a different name.
I thought this post would just help put the "Reflect" back into Reflect & The City. I've recently added a "Portfolio" tab, where I drop links of tracks/albums I've reviewed. Please take a look!

I hope you've been enjoying my "SONG OF THE DAY" posts. It allows me to keep my blog active. If you want help getting your band, or a friend's band out there, just send me an email (address is on the right-hand side) and I'll get back to you!

Thanks for stopping by

Charlie XO  

SONG OF THE DAY

Lykke Li - Love Me Like I'm Made Of Stone

*BRAND NEW* Lykke Li

Thoughts?

SONG OF THE DAY

The Roots - You Got Me ft. Erykah Badu

Well it's Sunday, the sun is out, and feeling more like Spring by the minute, so here's a song for those of you who are enjoying the first signs of warmer weather.
Chilled vibes. 

SONG OF THE DAY

Emily & The Woods - Tell You

I first came across Emily and the Woods on Youtube. Emily Wood was sat on a bank by the River Thames singing 'It Was Right There.' I even wrote a blog post about it. I think it must've been 2012, as it was just after I graduated. I was feeling the effects of leaving University, and I desperately needed to fill this void with new music. Emily, you couldn't have come at a better time! 

In June last year at Nottingham's Rescue Rooms, I finally had a chance to see Emily and the Woods live, and even meet her. Starstruck? YES. My friend had to practically push me into her. I was adamant; I did NOT want to go over there. It's weird, that we admire these artists so much, yet when given a chance to actually speak to them, your words are lost, and you find yourself mumbling. I did give my opinion on their new material though, which she seemed happy about... *WIN* 

Their live show was a lot different to what I'd heard originally. Guitar was more prominent and Emily's other half, "The Woods" definitely had a bigger impact this time round. They felt more like a band. A band with huge potential, and a modest determination to succeed, which is incredibly endearing.

'Tell You' comes from their recent EP, Then We Collide. Unfortunately this record only showcases a handful of their tracks. 

Oh what a tease! 

HAPPY SATURDAY

SONG OF THE DAY

HAIM - Forever

I went to see HAIM live at Nottingham's Rock City on Tuesday and felt like I'd been transported to another decade, (late 70's/early 80's I'd say).

The Haim sisters did not leave their talent in L.A. Ohh noo, they took every ounce of it with them to the UK, AND some.

When you see a band like HAIM, whose popularity is growing by the download, you have to resign yourself to the fact that this may be the only time you'll see them. Unless you're at a festival or something, chances are, they'll be playing the arenas next year. 

I was planning on writing a live review for the gig, but was having far too much fun and lost myself in what seemed like, a 70s disco.

Seeing a band's first album live is the most exciting time; for the band and its fans. The fans win 'cos your favourite track is definitely going to be played at some point, and the band are still pinching themselves at the audience singing every one of their lyrics back to them.

Este Haim told us to "shake our fuckin' asses" for 'Forever,' and that, we did. It was just like one big party. Nobody cared. Everyone just wanted to dance. 

HAIM's first song of the encore was Beyonce's 'XO,' and instantly became my stand-out track of the night.

I'm suffering with some post-gig blues at the moment.

Life was so much better jumping around and screaming to 'Don't Save Me' with my pals and not having to worry about anything.

Not. A. Thing.

That's what I love most about live music. It's all in the moment.

SONG OF THE WEEKEND

Dansson & Marlon Hoffstadt - Shake That

I've been a bit off the radar recently, mainly because I've been in Nottingham since Saturday. So, to make up for it, I thought I'd upload a song to summarise my weekend instead. I went out to Stealth/Rescue Rooms with some friends on the Saturday night. After a hilarious few games of Drinking Roulette (mainly involving my boyfriend getting 4/5 shots of vodka with chillies...Ouuuuch!), we left for the club. 'Shake That' was the only song we'd heard beforehand, and after spending most of the night dancing crazily to Pulp and Jamie T in Rescue Rooms, I'd even forgotten he was due to come on. We were just about to make our exit, when it came on upstairs and the dancing continued. It was a great night and the perfect way to finish it.

When I lived in Nottingham, I was rarely disappointed with Stealth and its still proving to be one of the best clubs in the city.  

SONG OF THE DAY

Lykke Li - Silent My Song

Yes folks, its true...

Lykke Li is set to release her THIRD album!

So I thought, I would pick one of my favourites from the Swedish songtress as a way to celebrate this news.

The whole of Youth Novels reminds me of my days at University, working on the weekends at a vintage clothing store. This album would always be played loud, and would knock any hangover haze out the window. It's funny how certain tracks or albums can trigger off memories. I'm actually travelling to the city of my University this weekend, so let the nostalgia continue.



SONG OF THE DAY

HAIM - Honey & I

Don't you just hate it when you wake up on a Thursday thinking its Friday? Since 7:15am this morning I've had the "Friday Feeling." I think I'm especially excited for this weekend, as I'll be travelling to Nottingham to see some good friends and HAIM, hence the song choice today! I particularly love 'Honey & I,' with its feel-good, summery sounds. I always picture myself holding an ice-cold cider, sunglasses on, the sun beaming down whenever I hear it. Perfect scenario right? Instead, I will be holding a cider, and most likely spilling it everywhere in the dark depths of Rock City; Nottingham's go-to music venue.

I'll happily take that scenario too (well, maybe less of the drink spillage). 

I can hardly wait!

Would you want a live review of this?

XO

SONG OF THE DAY

Beverly - Honey, Do

No wonder I liked this song so much! I've just found out that amongst all her other magnificent musical ventures, Frankie Rose is now half of new duo, Beverly; yet more proof that Frankie Rose is a prominent female artist in the business and continually makes her mark in other genres. The other half is Drew Citron, the lead songwriter for the band.

In 'Honey, Do,' we have a heavy guitar riff, contrasted by sweet-sounding harmonies from Rose. It's a little heavier than what we would normally be used to with Rose, as it has a real 90s grunge feel to it, a bit like Veronica Salt.

Can't wait to see more from Beverly!

SONG OF THE DAY

Cocteau Twins - Iceblink Rink

In the words of SATC's Carrie Bradshaw, this Cocteau Twin's track is an "oldie, but a goodie." I'd heard of Cocteau Twins, but I'd never actually heard them. This all changed after watching The Perks of Being a Wallflower for the second time. I always think you take more in after the first watch and I definitely admired the soundtrack a lot more. The Cocteau Twins song that features in the film is 'Pearly Dew Drops Drop.' I fell in love with it, and I'm now working my way through the discography via Spotify. Anything with a shoegazing sound gives me frisson. I've been focussing my attention on the 1990 album Heaven or Las Vegas and 'Iceblink Rink' has to be my favourite (at the moment). It's pretty powerful, and incredibly beautiful.

Enjoy!

SONG OF THE DAY

Bombay Bicyle Club - It's Alright Now

I woke up this morning feeling really "bleugh." The only noise to describe every Monday morning. The weekend has sped past far too quickly (yet again) and now I'm sat down at my desk counting down the days until Friday.

Standard right?

Well I thought I would post an upbeat, feel-good song to lighten the mood. I've spent a week wrapping my ears around the new Bombay Bicycle club album and I've been completely won over by the experimentation with their new sound. The intro of 'It's Alright Now,' reminded me of The Beach Boy's 'God Only Knows,' one of my favourite songs ever, and the track went from strength to strength. The harmonies are mesmerising and I can't wait to see how they play this live in London next month.

Happy Monday!

Keep Calm

And

Listen to Bombay Bicycle Club!

SONG OF THE DAY

Angel Olsen - Unfucktheworld

Here's what I think makes a perfect Sunday track. 

In fact, the whole album, Burn Your Fire For No Witness would make the perfect soundtrack for the day. Sunday is always the time to wind down from the long week just passed and what more could you need whilst digging into your poached eggs on toast this afternoon? 

Admittedly, I've only just discovered Angel Olsen. Some of you may frown at this as she has released records prior to this, but sometimes these are out of reach and easily slip under the radar. Something I actively try not to do. I always root for the underdog, but I have a feeling Angel Olsen will be removed from this category after Burn Your Fire For No Witness receiving much critical acclaim.

'Unfucktheworld' is so beautifully haunting and only just 2 minutes long. It doesn't seem long enough, so it may be on repeat after the first listen... just to make it a little longer.

SONG OF THE DAY

Metronomy - Love Letters

Here's the new video for Metronomy's new single.

The first time I saw Metronomy was at a CSS gig in 2006 and they were the support act. Just three guys, (who me and my pal originally thought were roadies!) I'd never heard anything like them before. They really opened my eyes to electronica, a genre, I now love. Since then, they've lost one member, but gained two more and continue to develop their sound.

I recently read an issue of NME which features Joe Mount (frontman), and one quote stuck with me. When asked about his reservations about playing at Wembley stadium, he said: 

"Of course I don't really want us there as a goal. For us to get to that place, something odd will have had to happen either in the public conciousness or in my own head. In a venue of that size you're appealing to people on such a broad level. To get that point you have to probably dilute too much for me to be interested in doing it."

Bravo Sir, Bravo.

SONG OF THE DAY

Small Black (ft. Frankie Rose) -Lines of Latitude

I remember seeing Small Black at Dot-to-Dot Festival in Nottingham back in 2010. It was in the Nottingham Trent University Union bar. Tiny. Empty. Now they're collaborating with one of my favourite artists, Frankie Rose. Incredible how things can develop for certain bands. 

I love this track. It sounds like it could be on the soundtrack to an 80s rom-com.

55Factory: Music Article #1

Here's my first post for the online contemporary magazine 55FACTORY.

CLICK THE LINK: 

http://55factory.net/platforms/190-20140212.php

Tartan Trousers

Crop Top: Topshop
High-Waisted Tartan Trousers: Urban Outfitters
Black Patent Lace Ups: New Look

Happy New Year lovelies! Here's to 2014! I've made quite a few  New Years resolutions this year, and a few of these included my blog. My aim is to be more committed to "Reflect & The City," and be more involved with blogger chats.

Now, lets talk outfits! I've been waiting since September to find myself a pair of tartan high-waisters, but never had the money to buy any! So, as soon as those Boxing Day sales came about, instead of bracing the cold and crowds in town, I decided to do my shopping wrapped in my duvet and pjs. My parents kindly gave me a New Look voucher for Christmas so I grabbed these patent, chunky lace ups straight away! The tartan trousers were a belated present from my boyfriend via the Urban Outfitters sale. I think from all the sites I looked at, UO gave the best sale. The trousers were £20, down from £48, what a bargain eh?! I also bought a floral midi dress from the UO sale, which may feature on a new post soon! 

What clothes did you buy around the Christmas/New Year period?

Hope you like the outfit!

Thanks for stopping by.

Charlie xo