My Top 5 of Summer 2009

1. Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobuis Pip (They are a spoken word and Hip-hop duo)
I saw these at Glastonbury 2009. I think the first time I came across them was in 2008. And then decided to buy the album "Angels", I then was beginning to understand who they really were. They were amazing at Glastonbury in the "Queens Head". I got there early and got a front row spot, the experience of seeing Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobuis Pip, was immense. I suspected for them to be good, but they were even better than good. Although they didn’t play all of their tracks off their album, they played a few new songs. But my most favourite song they played was "The beat that my heart skipped", this a solid track that shows the real flesh of who they are. And live was beyond unbelievable, there were lights flashing along to the rhythm of the beats and this track really got the crowd going.
2. The Maccabees (Indie band from Brighton)I was first thrown away by the song "First Love" by The Maccabees early in 2007, the vocals and the lyrics were so strong as the song built up. After that I was so desperate to see them live. Nevertheless at Glastonbury 2009, I was shore not to miss them. However they happened to clash with Regina Spektor. So I was torn between the two. I went to Regina Spektor at the pyramid stage in the end. Although I happened to find out they were playing at the Guardian Lounge which I was so relieved about. They were amazing, and the venue made it very special. They played nearly all there songs apart from a few and they introduced new music from there new album too. But I was especially pleased that they played "First love" and "Toothpaste Kisses" which is also one of my favorite songs of theirs too.
3. Regina Spektor (Regina Spektor makes quirky, highly eclectic, but always personal music)I first discovered Regina Spektor in April 2009 by a friend. Regina then released her new single "Laughing with".
I then discovered that she was playing at Glastonbury. Although I didn’t have an idea of what her performance was going to be like, but I was told she was going to be good. But after seeing her, I didn’t have any disappointment in her performance; she was utterly unique and amazing. And again I fell for another unforgettable artist. I am now really into her new alum "Far" and I have also travelled back into her older music too. I enjoy her music and hopefully that enjoyment will carry on.
4. Mumford & Sons (Folk Band) I first discovered their music a while back on the radio, but never really caught on to them or gave them much a listen. I regret that massively, though they recently had their single released "Little Lion Man", which is an amazing, powerful song. I now love their music massively. When I was at Glastonbury, I found out they were playing in the "Greenpeace Tent" along with "Laura Marling" which I was amazed and excited by, because they both weren’t on the line up at all. After a late arrival from "Mumford and Sons" they entered the stage. However I couldn’t quite see the stage which is always a problem at a small venue with a big crowd. Though they were amazing live, they were just what I expected. I was amazed by their performance because they created a huge crowd but amazing atmosphere. I would happily go and see them again, although they wouldn`t sound the same, they won’t ever be in a better place and time at Glastonbury.
5. Florence & The Machine (Florence has a crazy, strong musical talent of folk, experimental pop and indie. Her band is the machine.)I first discovered Florence & the Machine in early April of 2008. That summer she performed in the "Queens Head" at Glastonbury. She was on the list to see, but unfortunately I missed her.
I then discovered some of her new music early this year and she became massively popular in the charts. This year she played at Glastonbury again, but she was performing at the John Peel Stage. I was really excited to see her; she was 5 stars at the top of my list to see. I was crazy about seeing her live. When it came to the night she was playing, I got there early as I wanted to get near the front. But I didn’t want to go right at the front as I wanted the atmosphere to be around me I was about forth row back. However it was unfortunate that I couldn`t see anybody I knew, because I was looking forward to sharing the experience with everyone but, I couldn’t see anyone as Florence & the Machine reached the stage. And while she was performing I held up a Foam thumbs up hand to see if my friends could see me. I did saw them in the crowd on the big screens, I waved, but then I realised they couldnt see me. I only saw them. So I just held up my foam thumbs up and danced and sang along to the music. At the time I was amazed, but at the end although she was amazing and finished with the cover of "You got the love”. However I didn’t think it was a good experience of her performance, I think I would have enjoyed her more if I had friends around me, nevertheless to me, I think Florence & The Machine was good live and she’s got great sound, don’t get me wrong she is an amazing unique act. Though I believe her album isn’t has good as I was expecting.
All her music is the same, which was what I didn’t want, but for some people it’s a more of a good reason to like her album.
To be honest her music has become more of a pop act. Which I don’t dislike, I am glad she has become more popular. But something about her music has changed and the way everyone talks about her being this amazing "Unique Star" makes her music and her an unreal character. I would recommend going to see her live, if you like acrobatic dancing and howling music.

I guess what you have to learn from this experience is if you want to go to a band you love with your friends and it turns out they dont come. You shouldn`t let it get to you. Just enjoy the band. Because its your experience...

Spanking! New Music for September.

Imogen Heaps new album "Ellipse" was released earlier in August.

This is only her second album, but she is already well known.
I first discovered Imogen Heap on the American TV drama "The OC". The track “Hide and Seek" was used; this track was from her 1st album "Speak for yourself". In 2007 I went to the theatre and watched a play called "Pool No Water" were Imogen Heap`s music was used as a soundtrack.
Imogen heap`s new album Ellipse is a strong, powerful album to return with, along with her rhythmic tracks, "Aha!", "Earth “and "Canvas" which she has continued to give since her first album.
However she fails to deliver an easy listen, as the first track on the album and single of the second album, “First Train Home" doesn’t give you any reminder of her previous songs in her first album, which is one weakness to a first listen of her new album.
Although "First Train Home" isn`t a very good reminder of who Imogen Heap is, there are lots more tracks that do. "Hide and seek" from the album "Speak for Yourself", is a perfect track which is similar to "Wait It Out". This track starts you off with a harmonic feeling, where her layered vocals are used at the beginning of the track and melts away the track towards the end. This is a favorite of many I’m sure.
So Dont be afraid of her new album, give it a few listens and you will began to love it.