Friday 20 November 2015

Made in Manchester

Hello everyone,

I haven't posted for a while (apologies) but I thought of a great blog post. Music/bands/songs that originate from one of the most unique and interesting cities in the world- Manchester.

So, here's a list of music 'Made in Manchester', you might recognise them, if not then definitely check them out:

1. There is a Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths

Here is a well-known song of which originates from Manchester by The Smiths. People may know this song as it was covered by Oasis, however The Smiths originally wrote and recorded the song. Excellent little song.

2. Black and White Town by Doves

Not many people tend to recognise this song or band when they hear the name, but tend to recognise the song as soon as they hear it (or if not, immediately fall in love with the tune). This is probably one of my favourite songs of all time and demonstrates Manchester perfectly. It's flawless, and you'd be stupid not to check it out right now.

3. Kingdom of Rust by Doves

Another song by Doves (who originate from Manchester of course). Some people might recognise this from the movie 'Zombieland', however it is another beautiful song which shows the ways of Manchester perfectly.

4. Half The World Away by Oasis

No, I am not talking about the 'Christmas' version of which is all over our television screens right now. I'm talking about the original song of which was written by Noel Gallagher, the chief of Manchester. This can also be recognised from 'The Royle Family', but it's another great tune that was made in Manchester.

5. Falling Down by Oasis

If I had to pick another Oasis song to demonstrate Manchester, it would definitely be Falling Down. I always remember listening to this song when I was younger and remembering the lyrics vividly, so it's got to be on this list.

6. F.E.A.R by Ian Brown

Not a band, but this track is another great one by Ian Brown who is from Manchester. This is a lovely song for a car journey, and reminds me of Manchester as soon as I hear the tune.

7. I'm Not In Love by 10cc

Not a particularly rock-ish song by a rock band, but still, 10cc come from Manchester and this song is beautiful and deserves a place in this list. Most people would recognise this song as it's more of a pop/ballad song.



So there we are. If I list any more then it'll just be Oasis so I think I'll leave it there.
Just a side note- unfortunately The Stone Roses aren't in this list. Yet. I'm still just starting to listen to them so I need a while to think about which ones represent Manchester to me, but feel free to leave suggestions below :)

-Chloe Jade

Monday 2 November 2015

Heartwarming Bands

Hello!

Now this might just be me (although I don't think so), but I think that certain bands are... What's the word... Heartwarming? Homely? You feel completely yourself whilst listening to them?

I thought that I'd discuss this today and the bands which make me feel this way. There's only a very small handful, but certain bands make me feel immediately comfortable and happy once I hear the lead singers voice. These are the bands:

Stereophonics
I think this is because I've grown up on Kelly Jones' voice, so as soon as I hear it, I feel at home and happy again. Stereophonics is the kind of band that can cheer me up and makes me feel whole again, and I know so many people feel the same!

Oasis
Both the Gallagher brothers are two other voices I've been brought up on and as soon as I hear either of their voices (Liam's or Noel's, either has the same effect) I feel comfortable and uplifted. It's as almost as they are enlightening. Oasis definitely is one of the bands that does this to people and majority of their fans.

Kings of Leon
Ahhh, the sweet sound of Caleb Followill's voice. We all recognise that husky voice as soon as he begins to sing, so Kings of Leon is another band which makes me feel enlightened. Especially their second album, Aha Shake Heartbreak, is one I can sit there and listen to all in one go and feel completely happy afterwards.

The Verve
Although they have split up along with Oasis, Richard Ashcroft has a beautiful voice and never fails to impress me. I've also been brought up listening to albums such as Urban Hymns, and Bittersweet Symphony makes me emotional everytime. They have music that hits the soul, and makes people happy again.

Doves
Doves are a smaller and lesser known band, but absolutely beautiful and underrated. They are the kind of band you listen to in the rain (although their music is not atall depressing), and the kind of music you'd listen to after an exhausting day to enlighten you. They are amazing, and I'd seriously recommend you begin listening to them if you haven't already.

So there we go, 5 bands which make me feel great and at home. Leave any post suggestions below or bands which make you feel the same way!

-Chloe Jade