‘1963’ is probably one of New Order’s more unexpected hits, released as a B side to their 1987 summer single, ‘True Faith’. Not entirely the most cheery song, but equally not depressing either. The lyrics are particularly dark; with references throughout to domestic violence and matricide, it seems almost wrong that the song is so […]Read More
Exams are drawing to an end, the sun is out and we’re all looking forward to the long holiday that awaits us. We’re all putting on our cheerful playlists, something to get us revved up for some fun and sun, and Red Hot Chili Peppers’ ‘Snow (Hey Oh)’ is the perfect track if you’re looking […]Read More
If there’s one thing Paolo Nutini‘s 2006 debut single ‘Last Request’ positively oozes, it’s summer. Beginning with a gentle guitar strum that casts images of lying lazily in the grass on a breezy, sunny day, then gradually crescendoing into a pure anthem of a chorus that was made to be belted out alongside friends – as proved at last year’s […]Read More
As the soundtrack to John Hughes 1985 bratpack film The Breakfast Club and more recently rejuvenated in the soundtrack of Pitch Perfect, Simple Minds’ ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me)’ is a classic track with the capability to ensure a mass sing-along whenever it is played. It’s a great song with an interesting back story; Simple […]Read More
When taking a trip back to the 80s it can be a nightmare for some, with the sights of spandex, big hair and glitter causing feelings of uncontrollable nausea. However, once you’ve heard too much George Michael and blaring synths for anyone to handle, you realise that the 80s isn’t all about this. Bands like Sonic […]Read More
‘I Believe in a Thing Called Love’ by English glam-rock four-piece The Darkness was released in September 2003 and reached Number 2 in UK Singles Chart. Despite the song being almost 12 years old, it is an immensely catchy piece that seems to never become outdated. The extremely uplifting, feel-good melody coupled with Justin Hawkins’ […]Read More
In 1990, Queen were recording their 14th studio album – Innuendo. Unbeknown to the public, Freddie Mercury was dying from complications from AIDS. Regardless of his condition, he continued to work with his bandmates to make the album happen. During one session, Brian May heard John Deacon and Roger Taylor play through a chord sequence. […]Read More
Let’s go back to 1996. Leonardo Dicaprio is sporting a beautiful Hawaiian (unbuttoned) shirt. He is playing Romeo in Romeo and Juliet. ‘You and Me’ first debut on the soundtrack of the hit movie but it’s more than just a song from a film. This song has meaning. This song shows the powers of love. […]Read More
WARNING: This video is only suitable for those over 18. Viewer discretion advised. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFxaDoyl-1s&w=740&h=422] Once voted as one of the best dance tracks of all time, ‘Smack My Bitch Up’ is as well known for its controversy as it is for its actual credits as a song. The video for ‘Smack My Bitch Up’ […]Read More
It has been said that the Red Hot Chili Peppers produce the most faultless combination of Funk and Rock: otherwise known as ‘Fuck’. ‘Can’t Stop’ epitomizes this perfectly – the funky guitar, blended with Flea’s groovy bassline, packs punch yet gives it an uber danceable feel, making it one of the Peppers’ best. [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DyziWtkfBw?rel=0&w=740&h=422] […]Read More
Now, I’m not the biggest Kings Of Leon fan – not by a long shot. However, I distinctly remember their album Youth and Young Manhood being one of the first ‘guitar heavy’ albums I bought and immediately loved. ‘Red Morning Light’ quickly became my favourite song by the now notorious band and has endured the ten years since […]Read More
The Boomtown Rats had a hit single with ‘I Don’t Like Monday’s’ all the way back in 1979. At a first listen, the song seems faultlessly catchy; it wasn’t until recently that I learned the true nature of the lyrics. The song was inspired by 16-year-old Brenda Spencer’s school shooting of the same year. When […]Read More
Cast your mind back a decade – yes, I’ll give you a minute to adjust to 2005 being that long ago – and there’s a good chance the familiar chimes of ‘Feel Good Inc’ will come rushing back, perhaps alongside some repressed memories of the Crazy Frog. This genre-mashing lead single from the acclaimed Demon […]Read More
‘Our Bovine Public’ epitomises the cliché ‘a blast from the past’: as angsty and pent up as The Cribs could ever be yet totally catchy, it makes you want to headbang and bop at the same time. One of the best songs to see performed live, it’s political without being so overt as to feel oppressive […]Read More
Let me take you back to the 90’s. A time where no one was totally sure where music was going; whether it was great or shit; whether to embrace chart music, or to regress into past eras in retaliation to the drivel. That is, until the likes of grunge and Britpop took over. Obviously, we’re […]Read More