...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead - Mistakes and Regrets
not much to say other than it's HUGE.
Thursday 27 December 2007
Tuesday 25 December 2007
2007 - top 21 songs.
1.Explosions in the Sky - The Birth and Death of the Day
This song's parent album may have struggled to make an impression with some, and had varying levels of success according to others, BUT, I'm not going to forget the moment I first heard this song. To be honest, that was in December 2006; I couldn't wait any longer. But coupled with beautiful artwork and an enjoyable if troubled record (part of the problem was that this was it's opening track, I mean, how do you follow THAT up?) this song by far made the biggest impact on me. It hit home when I first got it on my ipod, went for a jog, and felt utter euphoria at what I was listening to.
2.LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends
However, if there was a song to sum up the year, this would probably be it. Not for me as such, but just for everything. Whereas that explosions (literally) track is completely over the top, this, managed to sum up and pinpoint basically everything that was going on in 2007 without even really trying. A hugely heartfelt and moving song, but also with the capacity to dance or rock out; that's pretty impressive. A fellow blogger said last week that this song will become/is this generation's anthem to match 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'. Time will tell about wether it really had that much impact, but without the commercial backing I'm a doubter. Still, they had a very good point.
3.The National - Fake Empire
Really, I could of picked any song off this record. This wins however because it was there first. It was with this song that I began my love of this band and it went on to be my "most listened to of the year" according to Last FM. and why not? everything about it is perfect, the piano's the vocals, the lyrics, the brass, the anti-climatic end. A truly wonderful opener to a great, great album.
4.Fucked Up - Year of the Pig (Link is to 'Crusades')
I'm not gonna lie, this isn't my favourite Fucked Up song by a long way. But, it is the only major single from 2007, and, it is a pretty good summarisation of what makes this band so mind-bogglingly amazing. 18 minutes, hardcore punk, meets psychedelia, meets post rock, with bongos, and keys, and, like everything by this band, has amazing production and vocals. One word; EPIC.
5.Interpol - Pioneer to the Falls
Similar to explosions, this is a HUGE, dazzling opener to an otherwise slightly inconsistent album. Also similar to explosions, this is as genuinely heartfelt and honest the 'pol got this year; if a little over the top. But hey, dramatics can made for really enjoyable listening, and the sing a-longs that went along with this tour for 'And you know I triiied, I flyyyy, straight into your heart" with all the yearning in Paul Banks voice; is something that can rival the arcade fire live experience no problem.
6.Battles - Atlas
Every publication every has already written everything there is to say about this song. So I'll just say how I feel, this song is completely made by it's second half when it breaks/strips down, then builds up, and up, and up, and up, until it literally reaches melting point and explodes with insanely tight tension, all thanks to a one John Stainer, beating a way on skins.
7.Les Savy Fav - The Equestrian
This song ROCKS. there's no other way of describing it. It is punk rock, rock n roll and indie rock rolled into one (try saying that after a few of yr mulled wines) with a fantastic riff to kick it off, driving rhythm section and of course, Tim Harrington proving he is still very much the king.
8.Los Campesinos! - You! Me! Dancing!
This song (along with Justice) basically was my summer. It is completely MASSIVE and a pop song, what more can you want?
9.Okkervil River - Our Life is Not a Movie or Maybe
There's something very enchanting and charming about this band, (and Will Sheff particuarly) and this song embodies that perfectly.
10.Animal Collective - Fireworks
The last song i'm gonna write about, this is an utterly gorgeous song, and has pretty much been my song of the winter. Animal Collective take their highly successful and very innovative style of making music, and throw some wonderfully heartfelt melodies at it. It is an amazing performance from all involved and a truly beautiful song.
11.The Arcade Fire - (Antichrist Television Blues)
12.Justice - D.A.N.C.E
13.Feist - 1234
14.Bloc Party - I Still Remember
15.M.I.A - Paper Planes
16.St. Vincent - Now, Now
17.Pig Destroyer - Loathsome
18.El-P - Smithereens
19.Deerhunter - Cryptograms
20.The Dillinger Escape Plan - Milk Lizard
21.I Was a Cub Scout - Our Smallest Adventures
This song's parent album may have struggled to make an impression with some, and had varying levels of success according to others, BUT, I'm not going to forget the moment I first heard this song. To be honest, that was in December 2006; I couldn't wait any longer. But coupled with beautiful artwork and an enjoyable if troubled record (part of the problem was that this was it's opening track, I mean, how do you follow THAT up?) this song by far made the biggest impact on me. It hit home when I first got it on my ipod, went for a jog, and felt utter euphoria at what I was listening to.
2.LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends
However, if there was a song to sum up the year, this would probably be it. Not for me as such, but just for everything. Whereas that explosions (literally) track is completely over the top, this, managed to sum up and pinpoint basically everything that was going on in 2007 without even really trying. A hugely heartfelt and moving song, but also with the capacity to dance or rock out; that's pretty impressive. A fellow blogger said last week that this song will become/is this generation's anthem to match 'Smells Like Teen Spirit'. Time will tell about wether it really had that much impact, but without the commercial backing I'm a doubter. Still, they had a very good point.
3.The National - Fake Empire
Really, I could of picked any song off this record. This wins however because it was there first. It was with this song that I began my love of this band and it went on to be my "most listened to of the year" according to Last FM. and why not? everything about it is perfect, the piano's the vocals, the lyrics, the brass, the anti-climatic end. A truly wonderful opener to a great, great album.
4.Fucked Up - Year of the Pig (Link is to 'Crusades')
I'm not gonna lie, this isn't my favourite Fucked Up song by a long way. But, it is the only major single from 2007, and, it is a pretty good summarisation of what makes this band so mind-bogglingly amazing. 18 minutes, hardcore punk, meets psychedelia, meets post rock, with bongos, and keys, and, like everything by this band, has amazing production and vocals. One word; EPIC.
5.Interpol - Pioneer to the Falls
Similar to explosions, this is a HUGE, dazzling opener to an otherwise slightly inconsistent album. Also similar to explosions, this is as genuinely heartfelt and honest the 'pol got this year; if a little over the top. But hey, dramatics can made for really enjoyable listening, and the sing a-longs that went along with this tour for 'And you know I triiied, I flyyyy, straight into your heart" with all the yearning in Paul Banks voice; is something that can rival the arcade fire live experience no problem.
6.Battles - Atlas
Every publication every has already written everything there is to say about this song. So I'll just say how I feel, this song is completely made by it's second half when it breaks/strips down, then builds up, and up, and up, and up, until it literally reaches melting point and explodes with insanely tight tension, all thanks to a one John Stainer, beating a way on skins.
7.Les Savy Fav - The Equestrian
This song ROCKS. there's no other way of describing it. It is punk rock, rock n roll and indie rock rolled into one (try saying that after a few of yr mulled wines) with a fantastic riff to kick it off, driving rhythm section and of course, Tim Harrington proving he is still very much the king.
8.Los Campesinos! - You! Me! Dancing!
This song (along with Justice) basically was my summer. It is completely MASSIVE and a pop song, what more can you want?
9.Okkervil River - Our Life is Not a Movie or Maybe
There's something very enchanting and charming about this band, (and Will Sheff particuarly) and this song embodies that perfectly.
10.Animal Collective - Fireworks
The last song i'm gonna write about, this is an utterly gorgeous song, and has pretty much been my song of the winter. Animal Collective take their highly successful and very innovative style of making music, and throw some wonderfully heartfelt melodies at it. It is an amazing performance from all involved and a truly beautiful song.
11.The Arcade Fire - (Antichrist Television Blues)
12.Justice - D.A.N.C.E
13.Feist - 1234
14.Bloc Party - I Still Remember
15.M.I.A - Paper Planes
16.St. Vincent - Now, Now
17.Pig Destroyer - Loathsome
18.El-P - Smithereens
19.Deerhunter - Cryptograms
20.The Dillinger Escape Plan - Milk Lizard
21.I Was a Cub Scout - Our Smallest Adventures
2007; a year in music
After covering the best albums of the year here and songs here I thought it was time to talk about the rest. Songs, Bands, Shows, Moments. look no further. I must say it's been a pretty huge year for me as far as music is concerned. It saw me go from a hardcore/screamo enthusiast to a mild mannered American Indie fan. Let alone the fact that I was in a reasonably successful band myself and toured over the summer.
first off, fundamentals. According to Last FM, my 2007 looked like this:
1 The National 501
2 Sonic Youth 423
3 Explosions in the Sky 406
4 Interpol 403
5 Orchid 400
6 Poison the Well 373
7 Jimmy Eat World 342
8 Converge 317
9 Radiohead 279
10 Fucked Up 236
Interesting top 2 as I only really got majorly into them this year. Explosions, Interpol and Converge roll on from the previous year, had a huge Orchid phase in Spring. Poison the Well and Radiohead had revivals, I discovered Jimmy Eat World's 'clarity' and Fucked Up joined in the fun from the Summer and pretty much completed hardcore punk for me.
Gigs:
General:
Biffy Clyro - Norwich, UEA
Explosions in the Sky - London Koko
Alexisonfire - London Astoria
Deftones - Norwich, UEA
Poison the Well - Colchester Arts Centre
Rise Against - Norwich, UEA
Klaxons - Norwich, UEA
Devil Sold His Soul - Norwich, B2
Hot Cross - London, Barfly
Glassjaw - London, Brixton Academy
Converge - London, Electric Ballroom
Converge - London, Kingston Peel
Fucked Up - Tales of the Jackalope
Slint - Performing Spiderland - Glasgow, ABC
Sonic Youth - Performing Daydream Nation - London, Roundhouse
Broken Social Scene Presents... Kevin Drew - London, Scala
Rolo Tomassi - London Notting Hill Arts Club
Los Campesinos! - Norwich, Arts Centre
Deerhunter - Glasgow, ABC2
Interpol - London, Alexander Palace
Interpol - Newcastle, Carling Academy
M.I.A - Norwich, Waterfront
Cloak/Dagger - Norwich, Cricketers Rest
Festivals:
Latitude;
The Arcade Fire
The National
Wilco
Final Fantasy
Cold War Kids
Fluff Fest;
Converge
These Arms Are Snakes
Kaospilot
La Quiete
Leeds Festival;
Jimmy Eat World
Brand New
Interpol
Gallows
Foals
Battles
Smashing Pumpkins
Nine Inch Nails
Bloc Party
I Was a Cub Scout
The Legacy!
We Are Scientists
Sparta
Moments:
*Deftones not only play my crappy home town, but play their cover of The Cure's 'If Only Tonight We Could Sleep' the world rejoices.
*Seeing Poison the Well give one of the most insanely passionate and tight (and varied) sets ever.
*Devil Sold His Soul (the first time) because the sound and low-key, strobed lighting was absolutely perfect
*Waiting 5 hours for Fucked Up to play at Vice's Tales of the Jackalope, they play two hours late at 2am, and get pulled after 4 songs, they were about to play 'Crusades'. For those 4 songs though, it was utter fucking anarchy.
*Slint play 'Washer'
*Finally seeing a version of Broken Social Scene play a sloppy but still memorable version of Cause = Time. part of the fun was them remembering how to play it on stage.
*Seeing Rolo Tomassi for the first time. Ya, I know I'm kinda biased now a days cuz we're toured and they're my friends, but the first time I saw them, I didn't know them yet, and they (Eva particularly) completely blew me away.
*Seeing Deerhunter destroy in Glasgow.
*Seeing Interpol make up for a string of misfortunes and rubbish experiences in Newcastle.
*The Above includes FINALLY SEEING 'PDA' AFTER A YEAR OF WAITING. It nearly makes me cry.
Festivals:
*Arcade Fire finishing Latitude.
*The National being the best band ever ever.
*Wilco, also.
*Converge, making up for a string of misfortunes and rubbish experiences in Prague.
*These Arms Are Snakes being amazing despite no one else really getting it.
*Jimmy Eat World plays 'Clarity' at Leeds.
*Brand New plays 'Sic Transit Gloria' in leeds; tent goes mental.
*Smashing Pumpkins play a set with mixed results in Leeds but completely nail 'Tonight, Tonight'.
*Nine Inch Nails do similar but with 'Hurt'. I cried. Missed LCD Soundsystem.
Dissapointments:
*The façade that led to me getting to see Explosions in the Sky which ruined it for me, then cancelling a headline slot on a small stage at Latiude.
*Glassjaw, a bit.
*MISSING CONVERGE PLAY JANE DOE
*Slint being generally flaccid despite preforming a masterpiece.
*Sonic Youth, a bit. Made up for it by having breakfast with them at the Camden Holiday Inn the day after though.
*Bloc Party at Leeds, a bit.
and finally, songs and albums that made my 2007 but weren't released in 2007.
1.Fucked Up.
This band did, to be honest, completely changed my year. They are, as far as I'm concerned, the missing link. I've grown up in the last few years of my life listening to lots of really good hardcore punk records, but none of them (with the possibly exception of Give Up The Ghost) ever gave me the sense of satisfaction or competitiveness. The thing is, is that, Fucked Up pretty much completed everything I always wanted from Hardcore but never got. They're one of the first bands to truly push the bar up and up and up and so far, thanks to their intellect and integrity, have yet to mess that up. It is still straight up Hardcore Punk, BUT, there's an indie rock sensibility about it, and hey, they've thrown in some psychedelic influences in there too which make the songs really massive, and hey, there's even a touch of Classical in the arrangements (thanks to the ever talented Mr. Owen Pallet) . Pop Melodies, Religious themes, Political awareness, apocalyptic dream-worlds, AMAZING ARTWORK, and a consistent sense of accomplishment. Really, this band HAVE got it all.
Fucked Up - Crusades
2.Jimmy Eat World - Clarity
I often got told how good this record was by some friends and some publications, but never really saw it myself. Then I did see it myself; live at Leeds Festival, with my beautiful girlfriend, and suddenly all the magic came screaming in. Suddenly, I was hearing that album literally come alive and I heard all the romance that was intended in this deeply passionate and intense record. It is, without a doubt, one of the most truly 'romantic' records I've ever listened to and is as much a celebration of life and love as it is a record about heartbreak and love loss. Plus, every song is brilliantly written and beautifully executed thanks to some truly wonderful and enchanting melodies, string sections and general production of the record.
Jimmy Eat World - Table for Glasses
3.Explosions in the Sky - The Moon is Down
At some point during the year, this became one of my favourite songs of all time. I'm not sure what it was in the first place that made me pick out this song in particular, because I consider the whole record an incredibly solid and magical piece, but I guess it was just from repeated listening. The thing is, this song has got basically every emotion I could possibly want from listening to music pegged within it (without even having any lyrics). It starts off in a world where the Moon really does seem to be shining down and everything sounds rather mystical and enchanting. Then they're an eerie chord change, and the song literally progresses through like that, until it's uber-tense but ultimately beautiful climax, with one guitar pretty much keeping it moving, and the other two guitars and drums contributing when appropriate. It is the ultimate song to go walking around on a quiet night, as it manages to be relaxing, yet chilling, yet exciting all at once. Truly, this is the band's finest hour (or 10 minutes).
Explosions in the Sky - The Moon is Down
Christmas was mental. this is me out for a few days, happy new year! xo
first off, fundamentals. According to Last FM, my 2007 looked like this:
1 The National 501
2 Sonic Youth 423
3 Explosions in the Sky 406
4 Interpol 403
5 Orchid 400
6 Poison the Well 373
7 Jimmy Eat World 342
8 Converge 317
9 Radiohead 279
10 Fucked Up 236
Interesting top 2 as I only really got majorly into them this year. Explosions, Interpol and Converge roll on from the previous year, had a huge Orchid phase in Spring. Poison the Well and Radiohead had revivals, I discovered Jimmy Eat World's 'clarity' and Fucked Up joined in the fun from the Summer and pretty much completed hardcore punk for me.
Gigs:
General:
Biffy Clyro - Norwich, UEA
Explosions in the Sky - London Koko
Alexisonfire - London Astoria
Deftones - Norwich, UEA
Poison the Well - Colchester Arts Centre
Rise Against - Norwich, UEA
Klaxons - Norwich, UEA
Devil Sold His Soul - Norwich, B2
Hot Cross - London, Barfly
Glassjaw - London, Brixton Academy
Converge - London, Electric Ballroom
Converge - London, Kingston Peel
Fucked Up - Tales of the Jackalope
Slint - Performing Spiderland - Glasgow, ABC
Sonic Youth - Performing Daydream Nation - London, Roundhouse
Broken Social Scene Presents... Kevin Drew - London, Scala
Rolo Tomassi - London Notting Hill Arts Club
Los Campesinos! - Norwich, Arts Centre
Deerhunter - Glasgow, ABC2
Interpol - London, Alexander Palace
Interpol - Newcastle, Carling Academy
M.I.A - Norwich, Waterfront
Cloak/Dagger - Norwich, Cricketers Rest
Festivals:
Latitude;
The Arcade Fire
The National
Wilco
Final Fantasy
Cold War Kids
Fluff Fest;
Converge
These Arms Are Snakes
Kaospilot
La Quiete
Leeds Festival;
Jimmy Eat World
Brand New
Interpol
Gallows
Foals
Battles
Smashing Pumpkins
Nine Inch Nails
Bloc Party
I Was a Cub Scout
The Legacy!
We Are Scientists
Sparta
Moments:
*Deftones not only play my crappy home town, but play their cover of The Cure's 'If Only Tonight We Could Sleep' the world rejoices.
*Seeing Poison the Well give one of the most insanely passionate and tight (and varied) sets ever.
*Devil Sold His Soul (the first time) because the sound and low-key, strobed lighting was absolutely perfect
*Waiting 5 hours for Fucked Up to play at Vice's Tales of the Jackalope, they play two hours late at 2am, and get pulled after 4 songs, they were about to play 'Crusades'. For those 4 songs though, it was utter fucking anarchy.
*Slint play 'Washer'
*Finally seeing a version of Broken Social Scene play a sloppy but still memorable version of Cause = Time. part of the fun was them remembering how to play it on stage.
*Seeing Rolo Tomassi for the first time. Ya, I know I'm kinda biased now a days cuz we're toured and they're my friends, but the first time I saw them, I didn't know them yet, and they (Eva particularly) completely blew me away.
*Seeing Deerhunter destroy in Glasgow.
*Seeing Interpol make up for a string of misfortunes and rubbish experiences in Newcastle.
*The Above includes FINALLY SEEING 'PDA' AFTER A YEAR OF WAITING. It nearly makes me cry.
Festivals:
*Arcade Fire finishing Latitude.
*The National being the best band ever ever.
*Wilco, also.
*Converge, making up for a string of misfortunes and rubbish experiences in Prague.
*These Arms Are Snakes being amazing despite no one else really getting it.
*Jimmy Eat World plays 'Clarity' at Leeds.
*Brand New plays 'Sic Transit Gloria' in leeds; tent goes mental.
*Smashing Pumpkins play a set with mixed results in Leeds but completely nail 'Tonight, Tonight'.
*Nine Inch Nails do similar but with 'Hurt'. I cried. Missed LCD Soundsystem.
Dissapointments:
*The façade that led to me getting to see Explosions in the Sky which ruined it for me, then cancelling a headline slot on a small stage at Latiude.
*Glassjaw, a bit.
*MISSING CONVERGE PLAY JANE DOE
*Slint being generally flaccid despite preforming a masterpiece.
*Sonic Youth, a bit. Made up for it by having breakfast with them at the Camden Holiday Inn the day after though.
*Bloc Party at Leeds, a bit.
and finally, songs and albums that made my 2007 but weren't released in 2007.
1.Fucked Up.
This band did, to be honest, completely changed my year. They are, as far as I'm concerned, the missing link. I've grown up in the last few years of my life listening to lots of really good hardcore punk records, but none of them (with the possibly exception of Give Up The Ghost) ever gave me the sense of satisfaction or competitiveness. The thing is, is that, Fucked Up pretty much completed everything I always wanted from Hardcore but never got. They're one of the first bands to truly push the bar up and up and up and so far, thanks to their intellect and integrity, have yet to mess that up. It is still straight up Hardcore Punk, BUT, there's an indie rock sensibility about it, and hey, they've thrown in some psychedelic influences in there too which make the songs really massive, and hey, there's even a touch of Classical in the arrangements (thanks to the ever talented Mr. Owen Pallet) . Pop Melodies, Religious themes, Political awareness, apocalyptic dream-worlds, AMAZING ARTWORK, and a consistent sense of accomplishment. Really, this band HAVE got it all.
Fucked Up - Crusades
2.Jimmy Eat World - Clarity
I often got told how good this record was by some friends and some publications, but never really saw it myself. Then I did see it myself; live at Leeds Festival, with my beautiful girlfriend, and suddenly all the magic came screaming in. Suddenly, I was hearing that album literally come alive and I heard all the romance that was intended in this deeply passionate and intense record. It is, without a doubt, one of the most truly 'romantic' records I've ever listened to and is as much a celebration of life and love as it is a record about heartbreak and love loss. Plus, every song is brilliantly written and beautifully executed thanks to some truly wonderful and enchanting melodies, string sections and general production of the record.
Jimmy Eat World - Table for Glasses
3.Explosions in the Sky - The Moon is Down
At some point during the year, this became one of my favourite songs of all time. I'm not sure what it was in the first place that made me pick out this song in particular, because I consider the whole record an incredibly solid and magical piece, but I guess it was just from repeated listening. The thing is, this song has got basically every emotion I could possibly want from listening to music pegged within it (without even having any lyrics). It starts off in a world where the Moon really does seem to be shining down and everything sounds rather mystical and enchanting. Then they're an eerie chord change, and the song literally progresses through like that, until it's uber-tense but ultimately beautiful climax, with one guitar pretty much keeping it moving, and the other two guitars and drums contributing when appropriate. It is the ultimate song to go walking around on a quiet night, as it manages to be relaxing, yet chilling, yet exciting all at once. Truly, this is the band's finest hour (or 10 minutes).
Explosions in the Sky - The Moon is Down
Christmas was mental. this is me out for a few days, happy new year! xo
Sunday 23 December 2007
poetry and that
literature:
//got too drunk today... sat around waiting for gold/no one dares say anything/this is a home and a breeding ground/for attention seekers everywhere/not an a.a meeting...(and i'm no better)/self-obsessed; everyone hates me now/self-obsessed; I hate everyone now.these words won't mean much to you/they're too personal/we're too biased.//no one ever understands; no one ever wants to understand/ How can I expect you to understand? you can't even see me. The time someone truly asks 'how are you' is the time you find love, time you find peace.///I went walking again, I went listening again, I went thinking again/ again and again and again. A little message, to kids who will learn this poem/in school/ a joke, a joke, a joke. Dunno how to say words, can't even play guitar/ can't even keep the people happy/that were supposed to get me far. They're all gone now/ it's just me and me and me. Doomed to over-think everything/to be scared of dying. Sometimes I hate myself and I mean it/no one really means it. Sometimes I hate myself and I mean it/no one really believes it. Not happy, never happy, sometimes happy. I'm called grumpy at home. Please don't take me too seriously, I'll be gone soon anyway. I go round and round in circles I get some criticism along the way. I always ruin everything (for myself) I see the inevitabilities/ I go on living, or maybe
Maybe I'm just tired.
//got too drunk today... sat around waiting for gold/no one dares say anything/this is a home and a breeding ground/for attention seekers everywhere/not an a.a meeting...(and i'm no better)/self-obsessed; everyone hates me now/self-obsessed; I hate everyone now.these words won't mean much to you/they're too personal/we're too biased.//no one ever understands; no one ever wants to understand/ How can I expect you to understand? you can't even see me. The time someone truly asks 'how are you' is the time you find love, time you find peace.///I went walking again, I went listening again, I went thinking again/ again and again and again. A little message, to kids who will learn this poem/in school/ a joke, a joke, a joke. Dunno how to say words, can't even play guitar/ can't even keep the people happy/that were supposed to get me far. They're all gone now/ it's just me and me and me. Doomed to over-think everything/to be scared of dying. Sometimes I hate myself and I mean it/no one really means it. Sometimes I hate myself and I mean it/no one really believes it. Not happy, never happy, sometimes happy. I'm called grumpy at home. Please don't take me too seriously, I'll be gone soon anyway. I go round and round in circles I get some criticism along the way. I always ruin everything (for myself) I see the inevitabilities/ I go on living, or maybe
Maybe I'm just tired.
Saturday 22 December 2007
Cloak/Dagger - Norwich Cricketers Rest - 21.12.07
Proving I do have a life...
It's been a long while since there was a decent Hardcore show in Norwich. We've never recovered after basically losing all our venues here and here (it's worth noting the second one still exists but it is now plus 18 and with a strict sound limiter that cuts any kind of sound out, making it useless). So it was with great relief that this year's Christmas show at the cricketers (last year's was with Gallows literally just as they exploded; flyer.
So it was with great excitement to learn that Cloak/Dagger's European tour with Life Long Tragedy would be coming here in support of their excellent debut album We Are.
And they certainly do not disappoint. Despite not great sound levels and the majority of the crowd there for the other "Breakdown-y" bands, Claok/Dagger still rip through their set with terrifying velocity and is a set or brutal, honest, REAL hardcore punk. Included fantastic versions of Runways, Kamikazes and New Years Resolution. This band have had a great year and show massive potential for the future, and I can't wait to see what they do next.
Cloak/Dagger - Hollywood Hills
Cloak/Dagger - Runways
Photos by Alfie Adams; www.fugitivesolutions.co.uk
It's been a long while since there was a decent Hardcore show in Norwich. We've never recovered after basically losing all our venues here and here (it's worth noting the second one still exists but it is now plus 18 and with a strict sound limiter that cuts any kind of sound out, making it useless). So it was with great relief that this year's Christmas show at the cricketers (last year's was with Gallows literally just as they exploded; flyer.
So it was with great excitement to learn that Cloak/Dagger's European tour with Life Long Tragedy would be coming here in support of their excellent debut album We Are.
And they certainly do not disappoint. Despite not great sound levels and the majority of the crowd there for the other "Breakdown-y" bands, Claok/Dagger still rip through their set with terrifying velocity and is a set or brutal, honest, REAL hardcore punk. Included fantastic versions of Runways, Kamikazes and New Years Resolution. This band have had a great year and show massive potential for the future, and I can't wait to see what they do next.
Cloak/Dagger - Hollywood Hills
Cloak/Dagger - Runways
Photos by Alfie Adams; www.fugitivesolutions.co.uk
top 10 albums of 2007.
So this is it, the top 10 albums of 2007!
1.The National - Boxer
This band (along with Fucked Up) completely shook me up and made my 2007. I hadn't even heard of this band before this, their 4th album, but I remember the first time I saw the album artwork that there was a certain style to it I found really attractive. And my gosh, did they follow it up. The simple fact is, this album is just packed full of amazing songs, and everything about them is romantic, stylish and heartfelt. After an incredible Latitude Festival performance, this band went on to make my year with catchy, beautifully produced songs that just work. From the awe-inspiring opener of 'Fake Empire' to the creepy post-punk of 'Brainy' and the all out poppyness of 'Apartment Story' this album has kept me singing and loving all year. Truly fantastic piece of work.
The National - Fake Empire
2.Battles - Mirrored
Battles get their position just for being the biggest and most original innovators of the year. Bringing together the sounds of punk, jazz and dance music, playing a myriad of various instruments (sometimes more than one at the same time) and just creating a fantastic listening experience that is fun to play, dance to, or just listen while also being challenging and exciting. The moments that make this album special are those in say, 'Atlas' or 'Tonto' where the song builds up, breaks down and builds up again, which, thank's to Helmet's John Stanier's incredibly tight, poly-rhythmic beats, create an amazing but enjoyable tension to their sound.
Battles - Atlas
3.The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
With the blogging revolution well into its stride in 2007, it is quite plausible that there is a lot of tripe you have to get through to find some genuinely talented or passionate writing. Particularly at this time of year, where everyone, like yours truly, is making a list. I recently read someone in regards to Panda Bear, in an attempt to dismiss Beach Boys comparisons, saying that "Brian Wilson wishes he made something as original and important as Panda Bear" ... yeah, other than pretty much creating pop music and indie in it's earliest form... Another guy went on about how Neon Bible could never beat Funeral. For a while, when this record first came out, I agreed with him. I wasn't hearing the massive passionate grandeur of 'Funeral' and thus I dismissed this record. Then I saw it live. Suddenly, it all made sense. I realised I was naive to be listening out for another Funeral, when this (arguably the only complete album of the whole list) is a huge journey through 12 songs commenting on, well, pretty much everything and the whole world according to Win Butler. The reason this beats Funeral, is purely because, its bigger, better and more complete. Although about 6/7 songs off 'Funeral' are still among my favourite of all time, that album, is just songs and that's it. In this record, it's very difficult to take a song out of context because each song bleeds into the next seamlessly, and that's where this album gets its magic.
The Arcade Fire - (Antichrist Television Blues)
4.Les Savy Fav - Let's Stay Friends
It's been quite a year for Les Savy Fav. In the years that passed since 'Inches' they slowly built a reputation that got a lot more people listening and interested then when they were originally around. I'm not gonna lie, I was one of those people. So there was a wierd amount of pressure settling on this record, because LSF had both their hugely loyal original fanbase and a whole new one to please. In the end, the new fans got something really exciting and approachable and the old hardcore twitched for a bit, then got over it, and enjoyed it too. These are, simply put, just brilliantly written and performed songs that really give off a feel for the amazing live act they are renowned for.
Les Savy Fav - The Equestrian
5.LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
There's not much I have to say about this record. It's been done. This has had every publication in the land (both sides of the atlantic) falling over themselves, and quite rightly too. James Murphy grew up here and proved himself with heart and soul, and most noticeable, the jaw-dropping song of the year All My Friends.
LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends
6.Radiohead - In Rainbows
Similar to the above, there's not much I have to say because this was, THE most talked about album of the year. Radiohead went ahead and made their most instant and approachable record for nearly a decade, still proving why they are now "as much listened to as The Beatles".
Radiohead - Nude
7.Interpol - Our Love to Admire
Like Arcade Fire (and Explosions in the Sky), this was under huge pressure not to drop out of the list entirely and be a huge dissapointment. When this first came out, I didn't see why I should care. The National had just released an absolutely awe-inspiring record that took what I loved about Interpol originally and kept it fresh and exciting. But, with time, the songs off this record slowly but surely weeded their way into my skull (much like Antics did, which I now consider an all time favourite). I still believe it's my favourite band's weakest effort, there are a good 3 or 4 tracks of filler here, but Interpol subtly prove again why they are so hugely popular in an alternative context once again.
Interpol - Pioneer to the Falls
8.Deerhunter - Cryptograms
This took a while to really make an impact, but when I saw this band live in Glasgow, I totally got it. A wonderful combination of psychedelic pop rock and punk that make this dreamy, poppy and at times frightening record a real triumph. Here's hoping they can follow it up next year.
Deerhunter - Cryptograms
9.Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam
Animal Collective goes POP! A wonderful record that saw the hugely popular but hugely challenging Animal Collective finally incorporate pop melodies into their already enchanting and highly original sound and way of writing. Just listen to 'Peacebone' or the utterly beautiful 'Fireworks' for proof.
Animal Collective - Fireworks
10.Okkervil River - The Stage Names
Proving it's never too late to make it into an end of year list, it took a long, long time for me to get this. The first couple times I heard it, I thought it as 'Our Life is not a Movie or maybe' plus eight. Then a couple weeks ago I got home from a stressful night's work, put this on, and totally got it. It's been said before and I'm sure it'll be said again, but Will Sheff is an incredible talent as a singer, lyricist and songwriter. Fantastic record.
Okkervil River - Our Life is not a Movie or maybe
if any of these don't work just let me know!
1.The National - Boxer
This band (along with Fucked Up) completely shook me up and made my 2007. I hadn't even heard of this band before this, their 4th album, but I remember the first time I saw the album artwork that there was a certain style to it I found really attractive. And my gosh, did they follow it up. The simple fact is, this album is just packed full of amazing songs, and everything about them is romantic, stylish and heartfelt. After an incredible Latitude Festival performance, this band went on to make my year with catchy, beautifully produced songs that just work. From the awe-inspiring opener of 'Fake Empire' to the creepy post-punk of 'Brainy' and the all out poppyness of 'Apartment Story' this album has kept me singing and loving all year. Truly fantastic piece of work.
The National - Fake Empire
2.Battles - Mirrored
Battles get their position just for being the biggest and most original innovators of the year. Bringing together the sounds of punk, jazz and dance music, playing a myriad of various instruments (sometimes more than one at the same time) and just creating a fantastic listening experience that is fun to play, dance to, or just listen while also being challenging and exciting. The moments that make this album special are those in say, 'Atlas' or 'Tonto' where the song builds up, breaks down and builds up again, which, thank's to Helmet's John Stanier's incredibly tight, poly-rhythmic beats, create an amazing but enjoyable tension to their sound.
Battles - Atlas
3.The Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
With the blogging revolution well into its stride in 2007, it is quite plausible that there is a lot of tripe you have to get through to find some genuinely talented or passionate writing. Particularly at this time of year, where everyone, like yours truly, is making a list. I recently read someone in regards to Panda Bear, in an attempt to dismiss Beach Boys comparisons, saying that "Brian Wilson wishes he made something as original and important as Panda Bear" ... yeah, other than pretty much creating pop music and indie in it's earliest form... Another guy went on about how Neon Bible could never beat Funeral. For a while, when this record first came out, I agreed with him. I wasn't hearing the massive passionate grandeur of 'Funeral' and thus I dismissed this record. Then I saw it live. Suddenly, it all made sense. I realised I was naive to be listening out for another Funeral, when this (arguably the only complete album of the whole list) is a huge journey through 12 songs commenting on, well, pretty much everything and the whole world according to Win Butler. The reason this beats Funeral, is purely because, its bigger, better and more complete. Although about 6/7 songs off 'Funeral' are still among my favourite of all time, that album, is just songs and that's it. In this record, it's very difficult to take a song out of context because each song bleeds into the next seamlessly, and that's where this album gets its magic.
The Arcade Fire - (Antichrist Television Blues)
4.Les Savy Fav - Let's Stay Friends
It's been quite a year for Les Savy Fav. In the years that passed since 'Inches' they slowly built a reputation that got a lot more people listening and interested then when they were originally around. I'm not gonna lie, I was one of those people. So there was a wierd amount of pressure settling on this record, because LSF had both their hugely loyal original fanbase and a whole new one to please. In the end, the new fans got something really exciting and approachable and the old hardcore twitched for a bit, then got over it, and enjoyed it too. These are, simply put, just brilliantly written and performed songs that really give off a feel for the amazing live act they are renowned for.
Les Savy Fav - The Equestrian
5.LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
There's not much I have to say about this record. It's been done. This has had every publication in the land (both sides of the atlantic) falling over themselves, and quite rightly too. James Murphy grew up here and proved himself with heart and soul, and most noticeable, the jaw-dropping song of the year All My Friends.
LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends
6.Radiohead - In Rainbows
Similar to the above, there's not much I have to say because this was, THE most talked about album of the year. Radiohead went ahead and made their most instant and approachable record for nearly a decade, still proving why they are now "as much listened to as The Beatles".
Radiohead - Nude
7.Interpol - Our Love to Admire
Like Arcade Fire (and Explosions in the Sky), this was under huge pressure not to drop out of the list entirely and be a huge dissapointment. When this first came out, I didn't see why I should care. The National had just released an absolutely awe-inspiring record that took what I loved about Interpol originally and kept it fresh and exciting. But, with time, the songs off this record slowly but surely weeded their way into my skull (much like Antics did, which I now consider an all time favourite). I still believe it's my favourite band's weakest effort, there are a good 3 or 4 tracks of filler here, but Interpol subtly prove again why they are so hugely popular in an alternative context once again.
Interpol - Pioneer to the Falls
8.Deerhunter - Cryptograms
This took a while to really make an impact, but when I saw this band live in Glasgow, I totally got it. A wonderful combination of psychedelic pop rock and punk that make this dreamy, poppy and at times frightening record a real triumph. Here's hoping they can follow it up next year.
Deerhunter - Cryptograms
9.Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam
Animal Collective goes POP! A wonderful record that saw the hugely popular but hugely challenging Animal Collective finally incorporate pop melodies into their already enchanting and highly original sound and way of writing. Just listen to 'Peacebone' or the utterly beautiful 'Fireworks' for proof.
Animal Collective - Fireworks
10.Okkervil River - The Stage Names
Proving it's never too late to make it into an end of year list, it took a long, long time for me to get this. The first couple times I heard it, I thought it as 'Our Life is not a Movie or maybe' plus eight. Then a couple weeks ago I got home from a stressful night's work, put this on, and totally got it. It's been said before and I'm sure it'll be said again, but Will Sheff is an incredible talent as a singer, lyricist and songwriter. Fantastic record.
Okkervil River - Our Life is not a Movie or maybe
if any of these don't work just let me know!
Friday 21 December 2007
2007: overview
i think it's late/cold/drunk enough to do this now. not that anyone will read it. Suffice to say that I have emerged a very different person from the one that went into the year.
January - Move into new house in the city centre. Have huge party which Maths play its first show at but also nearly get me and my parents chucked out of before we've really moved in. Don't. Worth It. Still hung up on a total bitch which is ongoing from the previous summer.
February - Meet a new girl (J) while still with old one. Self-esteem not great. Sleep with old girl (C) for first time, after a hugely emotional discussion and what the fuck is going on. Her mum finds out, isn't pleased. I go on holiday next morning. Don't sleep. Decide while on Holiday I'm much better off with C and maybe I should see how things go with J. In retrospect. It probably would have been a bit more considerate of me to give it some more time before moving on. But the bitch nearly completely wrecked my life and it was a huge relief to be out. Maths play first 'proper' gig in lowestoft. Get beaten up by certain tough guys from St.Albans who recently went on tour with Enter Shikari. Record a two track demo by the end of the month. all is well.
March - See J for a bit. pleasant for a while but ultimately doesn't go anywhere/work out. I meet another new girl (F) whom I have an annoying crush on but she has a boyfriend and seems happy. I respect that. See Poison the Well in Colchester. IT SNOWS ON THE WAY HOME. Play some more shows.
April - F breaks up with her boyfriend, I let her know how I feel, she isn't interested. Maths play more shows, write new songs.
May (Huge) - After saying she wasn't bothered. F, after walking her home on a night out, reveals she does like me too but still feels kinda bad for it. We talk for a good couple hours, she says she wants to kiss me. Does. for a few moments bliss. Then, she decides that actually no, this isn't going to work and she doesn't want it. I'm crushed. Don't sleep again. A few days later, I play my first shit show with Maths. this is a key turning point. It's a weird night because I'm frustrated at how badly it went, but also at how, a friend of mine while very drunk called these girls some horrible names we have as an in-joke, then blames it on me, but the situation is too funny for me to care about taking any kind of blame and I just laugh.
This utter mess of a few days makes me to decide to hop on a train to Newcastle and see this girl I've talked to online for nearly 2 years. It is an utterly insane moment and I have a ridiculous journey getting there; stranded for 2 hours in Peterborough, on a Sunday, pissing down with rain, people getting crushed on platforms, all because some deer ran into a tunnel and fucked everything up. As a result, I get to Newcastle two hours later then planned and only see Biffy Clyro's encore. Still a bit confused as to what the hell I'm doing there, the first night is a tiny bit awkward, as I meet the people I would get to know so well. Who knew that the risk I took would end up being the happiest risk of my life.
June - I return home and pretty much don't leave it for a couple weeks, despite some good shows and parties to go to. Don't see the point. I get into Fucked Up and they pretty much end all other Hardcore Punk for me. They are the quintessential. Otherwise, my music tastes take a huge leap towards the happy and more upbeat. Maths record EP. it is one of the most stressful weeks of my life. by the 3rd or 4th day I wasn't having much fun anymore and I first discover how much Matt (our guitarist and songwriter) can annoy me. This ends up being deadly. It is here where I began to stop really liking our Music. The production was rubbish and I didn't enjoy recording it. Jen visits me in Norwich for the first time straight after and, although we don't have a lot to do, it's still great. Finish College.
July - Festivals! Go to Latitude with my parents, it's quite fun, see some great bands. Fall in love with The National. Following Weekend, I go to Prague with a group of friends to Fluff Fest, a hardcore festival for 15 QUID. Being onstage with Converge watching as they completely blow my mind; during 'Last Light' I sing "This is for the Hearts still beating" with Jacob Bannon and then fall into the crowd straight after. It is an incredible moment. Weekend after that, I go on tour with Cutting Pink With Knives. It is one of the most amazing week's of my life (thanks to some people on here too) and I get to see my girlfriend on tour. Momentarily saves the band.
August - See Fucked Up play 4 songs at tales of the jackalope at 2am only to get pulled for being "too violent". Have a massive 2 weeker where, I go to york with two friends to move into one of theirs new houses for the next year at uni. Stay there a couple nights. It's really good fun. Then go onto Newcastle, to see Jen who has an empty house. We party and chill respectively. I visit Glasgow and some of Jen's relatives for the first time; it's amazing. See Slint play a lukewarm performance of Spiderland at ABC. Next day head back to Newcastle see Interpol, only for them to cancel literally 5 minutes before they take stage. Silly Carlos. No matter. Go to Leeds Festival two days later. After an initial hissy fit (missing home) I have an amazing weekend where me and Jen probably become our absolute strongest. Come home not really wanting to go home anymore. See Sonic Youth weekend after. It's not as huge as me meeting them the morning after in a holiday inn in Camden.
September - Next two months are pretty heavily toured ones for Maths. This takes its toll. Regardless, I get to spend the weekend with Rolo Tomassi and it's really amazing. In London they put on a captivating performance and in Reading I find out that they're amazing people. We play first in Reading (2pm) so our being there is rather irrelevant. Regardless, I get chatting to Eva and have an amazing time, we become really good friends and I feel really pleased for it. By now I'm fully into Emo or American Indie. Loud music is pretty much non-existent in my life. I have a small dilemma about whether to go to University through clearing when I realise all my friends have gone without me. Decide to stick with band. heh.
October - Play gigs everywhere. Jen, has two epileptic fits in a week, as a result, we don't go to Manchester as planned on my birthday. Instead I turn 19 with her in Newcastle, and we can't do much because of her shaky health, but it's still good just to be with her and to see that it's not all bad. I'm kinda stressed out by her varying health. This doesn't help when I play a weekend of shows with Maths (that we previously discussed as being potentially pointless) but we do it anyway and the band nearly falls apart. The obvious cracks show themselves and I finally have enough and can't stand it any longer. I just find some of the band's attitudes and behaviour too much and can't cope. We have a huge emotional discussion at the end of it though, and everything seems OK. I spend Halloween with Tomassi in Birmingham. Do a few training days for my new job at the Theatre. Don't talk to anyone.
November - Plan to go to Glasgow to see The National and Deerhunter in a weekend but my girlfriend becomes hospitalised. Luckily she's allowed out after a day so we still get to travel up and see Deerhunter. Attempts at writing new material goes sour when I'd show up to practices and just not be particularly interested. I don't like the music we play or the people much either. After a weekend of shows (which I stayed behind to play as my friends went to Newcastle without me, gee thanks guys) The guys have enough and kick me out of the band. At first I accept it, then I get angry/worried. then I get over it again. Start my job at the theatre, it's mostly a lot of fun and I meet some good people.
December - Go to London with Jen (as a birthday present from her) to see Interpol. I have a really nice day but it pisses it out and the gig is utter tripe. Me and Jen go see my friend in York, and then Interpol in Newcastle, rescheduled from August. It is utterly amazing. I finally get to see PDA! Sent UCAS. A friend from college dies in a road accident. People came home this week, and it's been great hanging out with them again. For new years I plan to be with Jennifer either in Newcastle or Glasgow.
overall, I give it would get a 7.5. Arguably one of my most important years where I learnt and changed a lot. but not my most enjoyable (2nd to 2005). I saw a lot of my favourite bands this year and was probably where I decided I don't like gigs much any more; was part of a reasonably successful one myself, and found love that actually really means something. Incredibly lucky in that respect but never taken for granted, not any more anyway. I still manage to over think EVERYTHING and I'm still horribly scared of Death, but that's standard. What's important is that the majority of my friends that I care about (more or less) are all still here and I can use a lot of my experiences for the future. I may have given up and grown out of pretty much all heavy music, which wasn't a massively popular decision at times, but I don't regret it, and I'm still just as massively moved and influence by what I listen to now.
2008 promises; an amazing summer, festivals, radiohead and my bloody valentine. A fresh start at Uni where I can finally get the fuck out of here. And hopefully a band with people I can stand for longer than five minutes and creating something I genuinely believe in and can put my heart and soul into.
that was a load.
LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends
January - Move into new house in the city centre. Have huge party which Maths play its first show at but also nearly get me and my parents chucked out of before we've really moved in. Don't. Worth It. Still hung up on a total bitch which is ongoing from the previous summer.
February - Meet a new girl (J) while still with old one. Self-esteem not great. Sleep with old girl (C) for first time, after a hugely emotional discussion and what the fuck is going on. Her mum finds out, isn't pleased. I go on holiday next morning. Don't sleep. Decide while on Holiday I'm much better off with C and maybe I should see how things go with J. In retrospect. It probably would have been a bit more considerate of me to give it some more time before moving on. But the bitch nearly completely wrecked my life and it was a huge relief to be out. Maths play first 'proper' gig in lowestoft. Get beaten up by certain tough guys from St.Albans who recently went on tour with Enter Shikari. Record a two track demo by the end of the month. all is well.
March - See J for a bit. pleasant for a while but ultimately doesn't go anywhere/work out. I meet another new girl (F) whom I have an annoying crush on but she has a boyfriend and seems happy. I respect that. See Poison the Well in Colchester. IT SNOWS ON THE WAY HOME. Play some more shows.
April - F breaks up with her boyfriend, I let her know how I feel, she isn't interested. Maths play more shows, write new songs.
May (Huge) - After saying she wasn't bothered. F, after walking her home on a night out, reveals she does like me too but still feels kinda bad for it. We talk for a good couple hours, she says she wants to kiss me. Does. for a few moments bliss. Then, she decides that actually no, this isn't going to work and she doesn't want it. I'm crushed. Don't sleep again. A few days later, I play my first shit show with Maths. this is a key turning point. It's a weird night because I'm frustrated at how badly it went, but also at how, a friend of mine while very drunk called these girls some horrible names we have as an in-joke, then blames it on me, but the situation is too funny for me to care about taking any kind of blame and I just laugh.
This utter mess of a few days makes me to decide to hop on a train to Newcastle and see this girl I've talked to online for nearly 2 years. It is an utterly insane moment and I have a ridiculous journey getting there; stranded for 2 hours in Peterborough, on a Sunday, pissing down with rain, people getting crushed on platforms, all because some deer ran into a tunnel and fucked everything up. As a result, I get to Newcastle two hours later then planned and only see Biffy Clyro's encore. Still a bit confused as to what the hell I'm doing there, the first night is a tiny bit awkward, as I meet the people I would get to know so well. Who knew that the risk I took would end up being the happiest risk of my life.
June - I return home and pretty much don't leave it for a couple weeks, despite some good shows and parties to go to. Don't see the point. I get into Fucked Up and they pretty much end all other Hardcore Punk for me. They are the quintessential. Otherwise, my music tastes take a huge leap towards the happy and more upbeat. Maths record EP. it is one of the most stressful weeks of my life. by the 3rd or 4th day I wasn't having much fun anymore and I first discover how much Matt (our guitarist and songwriter) can annoy me. This ends up being deadly. It is here where I began to stop really liking our Music. The production was rubbish and I didn't enjoy recording it. Jen visits me in Norwich for the first time straight after and, although we don't have a lot to do, it's still great. Finish College.
July - Festivals! Go to Latitude with my parents, it's quite fun, see some great bands. Fall in love with The National. Following Weekend, I go to Prague with a group of friends to Fluff Fest, a hardcore festival for 15 QUID. Being onstage with Converge watching as they completely blow my mind; during 'Last Light' I sing "This is for the Hearts still beating" with Jacob Bannon and then fall into the crowd straight after. It is an incredible moment. Weekend after that, I go on tour with Cutting Pink With Knives. It is one of the most amazing week's of my life (thanks to some people on here too) and I get to see my girlfriend on tour. Momentarily saves the band.
August - See Fucked Up play 4 songs at tales of the jackalope at 2am only to get pulled for being "too violent". Have a massive 2 weeker where, I go to york with two friends to move into one of theirs new houses for the next year at uni. Stay there a couple nights. It's really good fun. Then go onto Newcastle, to see Jen who has an empty house. We party and chill respectively. I visit Glasgow and some of Jen's relatives for the first time; it's amazing. See Slint play a lukewarm performance of Spiderland at ABC. Next day head back to Newcastle see Interpol, only for them to cancel literally 5 minutes before they take stage. Silly Carlos. No matter. Go to Leeds Festival two days later. After an initial hissy fit (missing home) I have an amazing weekend where me and Jen probably become our absolute strongest. Come home not really wanting to go home anymore. See Sonic Youth weekend after. It's not as huge as me meeting them the morning after in a holiday inn in Camden.
September - Next two months are pretty heavily toured ones for Maths. This takes its toll. Regardless, I get to spend the weekend with Rolo Tomassi and it's really amazing. In London they put on a captivating performance and in Reading I find out that they're amazing people. We play first in Reading (2pm) so our being there is rather irrelevant. Regardless, I get chatting to Eva and have an amazing time, we become really good friends and I feel really pleased for it. By now I'm fully into Emo or American Indie. Loud music is pretty much non-existent in my life. I have a small dilemma about whether to go to University through clearing when I realise all my friends have gone without me. Decide to stick with band. heh.
October - Play gigs everywhere. Jen, has two epileptic fits in a week, as a result, we don't go to Manchester as planned on my birthday. Instead I turn 19 with her in Newcastle, and we can't do much because of her shaky health, but it's still good just to be with her and to see that it's not all bad. I'm kinda stressed out by her varying health. This doesn't help when I play a weekend of shows with Maths (that we previously discussed as being potentially pointless) but we do it anyway and the band nearly falls apart. The obvious cracks show themselves and I finally have enough and can't stand it any longer. I just find some of the band's attitudes and behaviour too much and can't cope. We have a huge emotional discussion at the end of it though, and everything seems OK. I spend Halloween with Tomassi in Birmingham. Do a few training days for my new job at the Theatre. Don't talk to anyone.
November - Plan to go to Glasgow to see The National and Deerhunter in a weekend but my girlfriend becomes hospitalised. Luckily she's allowed out after a day so we still get to travel up and see Deerhunter. Attempts at writing new material goes sour when I'd show up to practices and just not be particularly interested. I don't like the music we play or the people much either. After a weekend of shows (which I stayed behind to play as my friends went to Newcastle without me, gee thanks guys) The guys have enough and kick me out of the band. At first I accept it, then I get angry/worried. then I get over it again. Start my job at the theatre, it's mostly a lot of fun and I meet some good people.
December - Go to London with Jen (as a birthday present from her) to see Interpol. I have a really nice day but it pisses it out and the gig is utter tripe. Me and Jen go see my friend in York, and then Interpol in Newcastle, rescheduled from August. It is utterly amazing. I finally get to see PDA! Sent UCAS. A friend from college dies in a road accident. People came home this week, and it's been great hanging out with them again. For new years I plan to be with Jennifer either in Newcastle or Glasgow.
overall, I give it would get a 7.5. Arguably one of my most important years where I learnt and changed a lot. but not my most enjoyable (2nd to 2005). I saw a lot of my favourite bands this year and was probably where I decided I don't like gigs much any more; was part of a reasonably successful one myself, and found love that actually really means something. Incredibly lucky in that respect but never taken for granted, not any more anyway. I still manage to over think EVERYTHING and I'm still horribly scared of Death, but that's standard. What's important is that the majority of my friends that I care about (more or less) are all still here and I can use a lot of my experiences for the future. I may have given up and grown out of pretty much all heavy music, which wasn't a massively popular decision at times, but I don't regret it, and I'm still just as massively moved and influence by what I listen to now.
2008 promises; an amazing summer, festivals, radiohead and my bloody valentine. A fresh start at Uni where I can finally get the fuck out of here. And hopefully a band with people I can stand for longer than five minutes and creating something I genuinely believe in and can put my heart and soul into.
that was a load.
LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends
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