"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.