Saturday, 13 August 2011

Songs to cry to (Part 2)

Eddi Reader is a name that many associate with Fairground Attraction, the short-lived but award winning band that had hits such as 'Perfect'.  However, Eddi's solo work is rather lovely too.  There are several stand-out songs from her repertoire, such as 'Semi Precious' from the 1996 album 'Candyfloss And Medicine'. 


Canadian songstress k.d. lang has such a distinct soaring quality to her voice.  She is an artist that rarely fails to touch me in some way.  'Hymns From the 49th Parallel' is an album of mostly cover versions that lang recorded.  'Hallelujah', the haunting Leonard Cohen song is simply gorgeous and 'Case Of You' written by Joni Mitchell is equally amazing.


'Towerblock' is a song by Julia Fordham, it's a firm favourite with many fans and it's often requested at gigs.  The vocals are stunning but it's the sentiment that I connect with.  "All my life, I've been the one who's big and strong for everyone.  Then you come along, a towerblock for me to lean on."  It's simplicity is what makes the song special.  The vocals and piano are enough.  There is no need for percussion or strings or anything else.



I'm interested to hear what your song choices are.  Please add your comments below.

Songs to cry to (Part 1)

I'm not being miserable.  I promise.  Experts say that it's good to cry. It relieves stress. It's cleansing. 

I haven't cried in years, but there are some songs that are so deeply touching that I can't help but feel emotional to a degree where I'm very nearly shedding a tear or two.

"Wahhhhhhhhhh!" cried the blonde temptress, as she realised she'd lost her Sonia Greatest Hits album.
There are several artists that tug on those heartstrings. Joni Mitchell to name one.  She is a genius admired by so many artists, from Bjork to Prince.  There are so many beautiful, heartwrenching songs that Joni has created in her long career.  Songs like the stunning 'Both Sides Now'.


Joni fans have witnessed some stark changes to Joni's voice over the length of her career.  In the beginning, Joni's voice sounded very different to the deep throaty sound that we now know.  It hasn't hindered the quality of her performances though.  It brings a whole new depth to her work.

Kirsty MacColl has always been a big favourite of mine.  She was such a fantastic artist and I still find it hard to believe that she is gone.  Kirsty sadly died in a tragic accident in Mexico back in 2000.  I can't believe it's been eleven years since her passing.  Maybe that adds a poignancy to her work?  Kirsty's strengths have always been her great writing and the ability to create such amazing harmonising. 


Most music fans feel a connection with one artist.  There is something which touches you in a way that is hard to explain.  When Kirsty died, I went to pay my respects at her memorial bench in Soho Square.  I didn't know her personally, but it was my way of saying thanks for creating music that was so inspiring, funny, uplifting and sad. 


Cyndi Lauper is such a rare artist.  She can scream, shout and cause anarchy on the stage - and by contrast, she can also sing notes that are so pure and beautiful.  Cyndi has the knack of creating some amazing ballads such as 'True Colours' and 'Time After Time', which are both considered as classics.  However, I'm going to suggest 'Hymn To Love' from 'At Last'.  It's simple and lovely.

Friday, 12 August 2011

Nicola Roberts: Lucky Day - The Full Video

It's here!!!!

Ring My Bell

Ring My Bell...but who rings their bell loud enough? It's a Ring My Bell Smackdown!!!! ....and Billie Piper is first up!


...followed by Madge herself...


...and finally, Anita Ward....


Thursday, 11 August 2011

Sugababes: Freedom - The Video


I don't know why, but some critics have written some not very complimentary things about the Sugababes new single, 'Freedom'. I think it's the best thing they've done in ages.

Sunday, 7 August 2011

Fright Night - New and Old

Fright Night used to be one of my favourite films when I was younger.  I would also include 'The Hitcher' and 'Terminator' and 'Alien' as being great movies that I loved in the eighties.  Years later, the original doesn't quite have the same appeal. 


Studios seem to be lacking ideas and of course there is a remake.  Check out the new and old trailers.


Chris Medina - What Are Words

Chris Medina is a former American Idol contestant and his song 'What Are Words' is currently number one in Sweden.  It's really quite a nice ballad, but what makes it so interesting is that the song is about his fiancée who suffered a brain injury as the result of a car accident.

BootyLuv are back ...or are they?

Are they now called 'Cherise & Nadia'?  I'm not sure what's happened but I think they may have moved on and got a new deal.  What do you think?



It's a bit of a low budget video, but the song is quite nice.  As usual, the ladies vocals are great.  This is their new website http://www.cheriseandnadia.com 

Poptweetz CHOON: Nicola Roberts - Lucky Day

Nicola: "I'm one of those people who can sleep just about anywhere....anyway, goodnight popsters...zzz...."
Oh Nicola.  We love you.  We loved your debut solo single and yes, I did dance to the beat of your drum - although I did look stupid because I was dancing in my office, whilst trying to eat a tuna salad sandwich.

The red haired fabulous member of Girls Aloud is back with a new single.  'Lucky Day'?  Yes, it is.


....and check out this B-Side from the previous single.