Jona Lewie ~Stop The Cavalry

I watched The Last Leg Christmas Special and at the end Jona Lewie came on and performed this Christmas classic!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HkJHApgKqw
I have a snoring dog at my side and I am sipping mulled wine.
What a great way to spend the evening...
Cheers!

Pacifisticuffs~ Diablo Swing Orchestra

I discovered this amazing band on Myspace quite a few years ago. Each album is different, challenging and exciting. This new album is no exception. I would love to see this band on tour in UK one day!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJwOLPu_ZKo&t=55s

Arcade Fire~ Everything Now

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC30BYR3CUk

How good is this song?

I absolutely love it!!!!!!

Enter Shikari~ The Sights

I was driving home along a frosty road and I heard this wonderful song. I love this band! Hearing this has put me in the most excellent mood. That and my Gran phoning me unexpectedly from USA just to remind me how much she loves me. What a wonderful evening with the next episode of The A Word to look forward to too!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ymjcSvEyhk

The Associates~ Party Fears 2

I absolutely loved The Associates and it was tragic that Billy Mackenzie died.
This is one of my very favourites!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ww2AYxrPqkk
It is funny how my mind suddenly recalls songs I haven't heard for years. When that happens I have to track the sing down and play it.

The December Quartets

I went to The Harrison on Saturday night to see The December Quartets. It is a tiny venue with a capacity of about 45. It was an incredible evening full of beautiful improvisation. Spyros Giasafakis is one of the members of the quartet. They improvise using vocals and very unusual instruments. It was a night to remember.
This is Spyros in action:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM9lYPZZUg4

The Chainsmokers~ Paris

I was driving home this evening when I thought I was listening to a really weird version of this song as I could hear a posh woman making comments in the background. I didn't think it added anything to the song but didn't think much of it until the song ended and the posh woman continued talking! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRNkQH4DVg8
It turns out my Satnav had activated in my glove compartment!

Vampire Weekend~Unbelievers

I got home, had my tea and felt like a blast of Vampire Weekend, they blow the cobwebs away....This tune definitely hits the spot:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b1GgT07aes
What is it about their music that always transports me to sun, summer and holidays?

Soft Cell~Kitchen Sink Drama

Don't ask my why this song came floating into my head today but it did:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju8Gh_VjJDo
I loved Marc Almond as a teenager. I could be quite a shy awkward person at times and felt that Marc's songs reflected a real understanding of what it was like growing up.
Music is such a release for people. Musicians make such a valuable contribution to our lives.

The words in this song are great.

Doghouse Primal Force and Dezza!

I had a great night out on Saturday at a tiny venue in Chelmsford surrounded by friends.
All the acts were good. Doghouse was absolutely great!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZP27kFa_lc
Here is his performance at Glastonbury.
The performance is very theatrical and I love the dancer.
He reminds me of someone I loved to see in my youth....
Gee Mr Tracy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdDwSNYuXUI
With this type of music you have to dance!!!!

Everything about Everything Everything!!!

Everything Everything:
The film~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42KNwQ6u42U

The book~is amazing....
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18692431-everything-everything   This book is by Nicola Yoon. I picked it up in the supermarket to read on the flight to USA. I read about half before boarding the plane. To my amazement Everything Everything was available as a new release film on my Delta flight so I watched the film AND watched the film. I recommend both!

The band~https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDSEtWt9u-A   ( I bloomin' love this song!)
This band is basically very cool and if you haven't heard them, check them out!

Green Day~Boulevard Of Broken Dreams

In 2005 I took my kids to Milton Keynes to see Green Day at The Bowl.
I really enjoyed the experience. We stayed in a posh hotel which was offering a bargain rate as we took the empty room at a wedding reception so when the taxi got us to the hotel after the gig the party was in full swing! The place was very impressive complete with peacocks walking in the grounds.

I was driving home after work tonight and Greg James played Green Day as part of the 10 Minute takeover.
This went down well with me and as soon as I got home I treated myself to hearing this wonderful song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Soa3gO7tL-c


This is a link to information about the gig:
http://citiblog.co.uk/2015/06/18/on-this-day-2005-green-day-play-the-milton-keynes-bowl/

If you haven't heard Jimmy Eat World or Taking Back Sunday who supported, definitely check them out:

Jimmy eat World 2011:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLVayLQtKv4


Taking Back Sunday: 2005 Milton Keynes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWs-sEjJQ9I

Imagine Dragons~Thunder

I have had this song in my head for days now. I have to admit I do like it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AqjqOqNrjw

The songs that are played on Radio One are played so often that they quickly become familiar. Sometimes I can start off liking a song and then tiring of it. That hasn't happened with this song. I still like it!

The Fierce and the Dead

I went to the Facemelter Thumpermonkey EP Launch at The Black Heart in London last night. I have seen them before and they were great. There were two more acts. One was The Fierce and the Dead.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=the+fierce+and+the+dead+youtube&view=detail&mid=293A2A262F4E826BD4DD293A2A262F4E826BD4DD&FORM=VIRE


They were heavy, they were theatrical and they were fun. When you closed your eyes you became immersed in a wall of sound. It was brilliant and just the way to blast away all the cares of the world.
Thanks to G and his pals for dragging me out!

Miley Cyrus~Younger Now

This is the sencond Miley song that I have really enjoyed. I was driving along a few days ago and I heard this song for the first time. I didn't hera who it was by and I googled what I thought the title was and had no luck. I hoped I would hear the song again and today I was in luck. They played another song before letting me know the song title. I think it is a beautiful song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LX2kpeyp80

Henry Green and Liz Lawrence

Last night G and I went to see my son play at The Lexington with Henry Green. Liz Lawrence was supporting. Now I am obviously biased as Jack is my son but everyone at the gig really enjoyed it. The music was so chilled yet upbeat.
This helped to wash away the stress of being stuck the wrong side of the Dartford Tunnel for three hours a little earlier on.
After the gig, we went and had vegan pizza at Pizza Union.
What a great Thursday night out.
If you haven't heard any Henry Green or Liz Lawrence I have two links to get you started.

Watch this space, they are going to go far.
Liz Lawrence: Oo Song:
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=liz+lawrence+youtube&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3dliz%2blawrence%2byoutube%26FORM%3dEDGNCT&view=detail&mmscn=vwrc&mid=3322478F02D8D862B3843322478F02D8D862B384&FORM=WRVORC


Henry Green's version of Electric Feel:
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=electric+feel+henry+green&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3delectric%2bfeel%2bhenry%2bgreen%26FORM%3dEDGNCT&view=detail&mmscn=vwrc&mid=1109F8DA475E6F3B6E9D1109F8DA475E6F3B6E9D&FORM=WRVORC

Henry Green :Real

I am very excited. Tomorrow evening, G and I are going to see my son play with Henry Green at The Lexington. It is so lovely knowing my son is able to follow his dream of being a musician. It is great having people who share your dream.
This time tomorrow I will be there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6KAskIXsIo

Back To The Planet

I went to 100 Club on Saturday night to see bands Senser and Back To The Planet. I saw Back To The Planet at The Cambridge Strawberry Fayre earlier this year so I was very happy to be seeing them again.

It was a great night spent out celebrating my friend's birthday. 

If you haven't heard Back To The Planet I definitely recommend them:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfY8Ow4GFak&list=PL_3KxCNGWnllVNOKIExOM0Xg7ADELn2d3&index=4

Chase and Status, Franz and Greg James take over for 10 minutes

I loved Greg's 10 Minute Take over tonight. I loved these songs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5hhy9OAmlE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDwaDIbrfxA

Hearing Chase and Status~Blind Faith brought me right back to a couple of years ago when I was walking round the estate where I lived singing to my dog. It was dark and there was noone about.I was singing Blind Faith pretty loudly I guess. I stooped down to pick up a dog poo kindly donated by my dog. I carried on singing. I think Ollie my dog enjoyed it.
I know the man sat in his van with his window  wound down enjoyed it as he roared with laughter.
I styled it out by saying, "hello!" .....then I carried on singing.

Happy days!

Mumford and Sons~ Babel

I have been doing some writing and some housework and I wanted to take a break and listen to something high-energy and enjoyable. This is the perfect tune for my purpose!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWza_On7ajs
The only trouble now is I am locked onto a Mumford and Son's groove so will no doubt be listening and singing along to a whole range now.
(My poor neighbours....It is a hot day, the window is open!)

Vampire Weekend~Cousins

I have just played this wonderful song. It never fails to blow away the cobwebs. It is fast, full of energy and the video is disorientating!

Now I am playing 'Holiday.' That seems fitting as I rapidly apprach the end of the summer holiday.
Even the weather has taken a turn. It is cold enough to prompt me to close the caravan windows and wear a dressing gown!



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wHl9qRsMzw

Did you hear the rain? George Ezra

I woke up to the sound of rain pelting down on the caravan roof. I love being all cosy, tucked up in bed and listening to a good storm with howling rain.
As I listened this song crept into my head. I absolutely love it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dd37vHMaN8

This is a particularly good, live version that George played live in Glastonbury 2013.

Cornershop~ It's Good To Be On The Road Back Home...

I am currently listening to Cornershop and I forgot how much I love this song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REzVxf_e2Vs

I love travelling and exploring but I also love driving home knowing that sometime soon I will be settled in my caravan with time and space to write and draw and think.
I love pulling into my little bit of driveway and letting myself into my caravan.
It is the best feeling.

This photo was taken when I first got the caravan and it had been transported to the site with the chairs all on the floor so they wouldn't break. My dog Ollie is seen here exploring his new pad!

Heaven ~ Talking Heads

I am doing some writing and I wanted to listen to something to inspire me and Talking Heads never fails.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H506K66A3xo
I could pick any one of their songs and enjoy it but this one is lovely.

Scouting For Girls~ She's so Lovely

I have just come back from a fabulous camping trip and I have Lovely the dog staying with me for a couple of days. As I was driving her home I kept singing this song! :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cEZSVyNDy8

Lovely has been with us for a year now. She has settled really well and has shown us she has a playful and fun side to her personality. She is great to have around.
Her favourite thing is to sit on a comfy sofa.

Marc and the Mambas~ Little Book Of Sorrows

This song is so beautiful, I remembering hearing it years ago and its beauty has nevel left me.
Writers and singers explore all areas of our lives, the happy and sad moments....they capture them perfectly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apErC4z1Qk0

Country Roads~ John Denver

Yesterday our school said goodbye to an inspiring Head called Fraser. One of the things I really admire about him is his musical creativity. As a farewell to the school team he got out his guitar, roped in fellow musicical colleague David and sang his very own version of this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vrEljMfXYo
He changed to words to be relevant to our school and the whole experience was lovely. My dad used to play this song in the car on long journeys when I was a kid so I know it well. I think he may have even sung it himself when he had guitar lessons many moons ago.
I love music. Being able to share music is an age old passtime and it means so much.

Humongous~ Declan McKenna

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of the album, 'What do you think about the car?'
It is as good as I hoped it would be. I am currently loving this song....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzMaDCAaVyw


Declan McKenna's music is very appealing and thoughtful.
It is setting the scene for the start of the summer holiday. I have a few weeks off now and am delighted!

Amanda Palmer~ In My Mind

I love Amanda Palmer. I love her voice, her lyrics and her quirkiness!
This song says it all. Many of us have plans about the person we would like to become and often feel the reality doesn't measure up. Really, life is all about learning to be happy with the person we are.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9WZtxRWieM

Jefferson Airplane ~White Rabbit

I have been watching The Handmaid's Tale~Margaret Attwood. It is having a profound affect on me. I am also reading it on my Kindle. I can't wait to read the rest of her books too.
It has been a long time since a programme has been that thought provoking to me....
In this episode, White Rabbit was playing during one scene. I haven't heard that in a while so I couldn't resist playing it again....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl89g2SwMh4

Imagine, Perry~The Voice Kids ( John Lennon)

I watched The Voice Kids and was touched by Perry's version of Imagine~John Lennon.
I love that song. To hear a talented young man singing it fills me with hope for the future.
http://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/voice-kids-perry-team-will-sings-imagine

SPK Metal Dance

This band were pretty exciting at the time. This is a live version of Metal Dance.
I can't even remember how I came across this band but I rememebr buyign the album and listening to it on repeat until my dad told me to stop!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPBpYIZC9PM

No Rest~ New Model Army

I really like this song. This live version is particularly good! I have been doing lots of paperwork today and taking time out to listen to this has restored my energy levels nicely, enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzjHbbXH2XE

Stomp~Dishwashers Are Crazy!

I had a really fun day at school today as for music week my class made their own percussion instruments. To inspire them I showed them some Stomp footage and they were transfixed.
This group treat things with humour and are so talented!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EULpbJQLzSg

Perpetuum Jazzile~ Africa (Toto)

At our school we are having a music inspired week. I couldn't resist showing the class this. They had a lot of fun joining in.
It is incredible what sounds musicians can make using just the human body. Inspiring!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjbpwlqp5Qw

Happy Birthday Marc Almond

While Little Book Of Sorrows may not be the most cheerful song title to choose for a birthday tribute....I couldn't resist posting this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apErC4z1Qk0
When I first heard this song I was transfixed.
This version was recorded in 2012 with Marc and the Mambas and Antony Hegarty. I love it!
It is hard to believe that Marc is 60 today!
As a teenager I adored him. His words gave me hope when I struggled through some tough and confusing times. I remember writing him a letter inviting him to join my friends and I on a caravan holiday in Gt. Yarmouth!
While he never responded to my invite, I will always be grateful to Marc for being a Torch Songer and showing us the way through.

Happy Birthday~Altered Images

23 years ago my lovely, talented son was born. It has been such a piviledge watching him grow up to become the person he is now. He is creative, caring and musical. We need people like him in the world!
Happy Birthday Jack!

Ruts West One ( Shine On Me)

It may be the sun shining on me but I have been singing this song today. I have always loved this band and particularly love this song. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-s8k0GtLZ4o

Towers Of London put a smile on my face!

Whenever I think I may be taking things too seriously I remember this band and they put a huge smile on my face. I dare you to listen to this and not chuckle!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LTElvF8ACo
Actually pick any of their songs....especially the acoustic version of F*cked it up!

Strange Days Indeed

I had this song stuck in my head today. I guess it may be because so many strange things seem to be happening in the world lately. I love this song. John Lennon has a way with words:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBCdlBrgEmE

Slaves~ Glastonbury

This band make me want to jump about with a huge grin on my face! In fact watching the Glasto highlights and hearing them made me do just that!

Listen and enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAy9WYgs9JI

George Ezra Glastonbury 2017

I love Glastonbury and George Ezra! He looked so happy to be up on stage and his enthusiasm is infectious!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0559t7n/glastonbury-2017-george-ezra
This performance starts off with one of my favourites, Casio. What not to like?

Creep Radiohead Glastonbury 2017

I love this song. I remember my son covering this with a band years ago at 'Rock School.' 
I read that Radiohead did a great performance at Glastonbury this year. It would be great to be in that crowd listening to this:
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=radiohead+creep+glastonbury+youtube+2017&&view=detail&mid=21CB5801B8CDBC78574D21CB5801B8CDBC78574D&FORM=VRDGAR

I hope everyone at Glastonbury is having a good time and enjoying the sun!

Bridge Over Troubled Water

This song gives me goose bumps. I am delighted that it is being used as a fund raising record to help the victims of Grenfell Tower.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYKJuDxYr3I
This is a live version and it is simply beautiful

I am very heartened that people from all over are thinking about the peoplr who have suffered in this tragedy and that so many people want to do something to help.
Recently UK has had a number of tragedies and it is heartening to see the many thousands of good people who come together to offer their support and love.

Something Changed- Pulp.....today something really has changed.

Today the UK are electing their new government.
Last night I watched Jeremy Corbyn's final speech before Voting Day.
He said that when the election was called, the result looked a foregone conclusion but then....
Something changed.
I agree with him.
I can feel it in the air.
More and more people are realising that they want to live in a world that looks after 'the many and not just the few.'
I cannot predict the election result but I do believe that after today, things won't be quite the same again.
I find it exciting that we are making history.
I believe that young people everywhere are starting to realise that they can make a difference and that their voices can be heard.
Young people are our future and they deserve every opportunity.

I love this song. I love this band....
Enjoy....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4bNAvzR9vM

Heather Small~ Proud ( I am proud of our young people xxx)

I watched the livestream of the One Love Manchester gig yesterday and was so proud of all the children and young people who put aside their fears and enjoyed the wonderful experience.
This morning I woke up with this song in my head:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEoxGJ79PMs

M People first performed this song in 2000 and Heather sang it again for the 2012 Olympics.
This was another proud moment as London hosted such an inspiring event.

I choose to celebrate diversity, peace, tolerance and love.
I look out for examples of people helping one another every day.
Whenever I look, I see examples of people putting other peope before themselves and this makes me feel happy.

Ariana Grande and all the other musicians put on such a wonderful show yesterday and this serves to remind us all that Humans are incredible and we really are united.
One Love.

Fix You ~Coldplay

I have just been so incredibly moved by watching the livestream 'One Love Manchester' concert tonight.
For me, the highlight was watching Coldplay performing 'Fix You.'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCYy06SVFJI


I love Coldplay, I love this song and watching all those brave young people enjoying themselves during the performance was so wonderful to watch.
I am so impressed that Ariana Grande and her team were able to put this together at such short notice.

Humans are on a  bit of a bumpy rideat the moment but it is clear that love will conquer all.

One Love, Manchester

I am so happy that so many musicians have agreed to play at the One Love benefit gig in Manchester on Sunday. I have just been watching The News which has featured interviews with some of the families who attended the recent Ariana Grande Concert. Many have chosen to take up the offer of free tickets so that they can attend the One Love event on Sunday.
While they are understandably apprehensive after what happened before,  they feel that attending Sundays event will help them to experience some closure and  move on.
I hope it is a beautiful, sunny day for them all.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40117391

Sisters of Mercy 1969

I really love Sisters Of Mercy. I am sitting in my caravan writing reports for school and I have dug out my old vinyl and am having a very enjoyable trip down memory lane.
This song is particularly good, in my opinion.
This version was played in a John Peel session.
I loved listening to John Peel on the radio when I was young. He played such brilliant music!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SmL5pTqIK4