Cloves - Frail Love

Being out of the loop for a lot of 2015 I’ve missed a lot of very good music. Now I’m in a pile up of gorgeous vocals, synths, FKA Twigs’ thrashing experimentalism and the cherry, or should that be the clove on top? 19 year old, Melbourne born, songstress Cloves (real name Kaity Dunstan) sits somewhere between the noir queen quirks of Lana Del Rey and the soulful serenades of Adele. Her debut single ‘Frail Love’ dropped on Soundcloud back in August and it’s breathtaking. Amidst the long flowing brunette locks and supermodel proportions, there’s a significant vocal force. Every lyric feels just as important and emotional as the last and Cloves performs atop sorrowful piano keys with a self assurance that sets her decades ahead of her actual experience.

Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence Review: "She's emotionally bruised and beautiful..."

Lana Del Rey's Born To Die is a distinct 'debut' album that polarised opinions from critics. Some hailed her authenticity and emotive performance while others found her high pitched timbre and contradictory low gravelly jazz tones unpleasant. Both opinions aside, Born To Die went on to sell over 7 million copies worldwide and as incohesive and random as it is, it is one of the most intriguing albums to come out of 2012. 

The problem with Born To Die is that it doesn't gel, dipping in and out of themes and identities so often that you never get a sense of who Lana Del Rey is. The beauty of songs such as Born To Die and Blue Jeans is countered by frustrating and forgettable tracks like Carmen and Million Dollar Man. What Lana needed to do was show us who she is, consistently. Thankfully, the identity she portrays on third studio album Ultraviolence is far more accessible, relatable and grounded than the retro noir mistress acted on her last. There's nobody better at portraying 'black and white classic' than Lana Del Rey and when you couple this with the production of Dan Auerbach (Black Keys) you have the starlet and the auteur. 

Lana Del Rey - West Coast

It's been two years since Lana (Banana) Del Rey released Born To Die, her 5 million+ selling sophomore album. It was great then and it's even better now. Once you get your head around the cinematic sound of her music you can't help but fall in love with this unique, odd-ball starlet. With her new album Ultraviolence not far away at all and a bunch of teaser tracks being released onto the internet by the lady herself (all of which won't be on the final record) it is fitting that a single be released. All hail West Coast, the song that threatens to burst into reggae at the very start but turns out to be a hypnotic, very Lana type affair, with soft guitar riffs and echoing synths and some staple Lana lyricism about Saigon, icons and being a lush. This song is beautiful.

4.5/5

Lana Del Rey's new album...

Is going to be called Ultraviolence. This could get too exciting. It's been such a long time since Born To Die was thrust into our lives and what a solid, wonderful thrust it was. Going by the demos that have been circulating her sophomore album is going to be one hell of a ride. Let's hope the below song Hollywood is one of the featured tracks & that the album is more Born To Die and less Paradise:

 

 

Rated i: Top 25 Songs of 2012

The end of another year. Jesus Christina. 

So here we are, preparing our stomachs for the warmth and imminent agony of 'post Xmas dinner'. Figuring out what the hell we're doing at New Year, whether we're going to spend it getting pissed at a party or curled up on the sofa in our new slipper boots and long-johns, watching something uber violent and scary (just me?). One thing is certain, even if our festive plans aren't, 2012 has been an awesome year for music. It's been emotional, fun, surprising, revelationary (made up a word there) and camper than Louis Spence's underwear drawer.

We had the long awaited come back of Xtina with the epic 'Your Body', which didn't quite burn up the charts, but it's one of my top played songs of the year so far. There was the gorgeous revelation that is Jessie Ware and her mind blowing album Devotion; an album so perfect, I shit you not, it changed my year for the better. An Xfactor contestant released a 5 Star single and made my top 15. Rihanna is in there, of course, when wouldn't she be? She'll still be releasing singles when she's 65, probably still wearing a see through dress and getting soaked on the Xfactor live shows, now judged by 3 corpses and Louis Walsh (immortal). Rita Ora managed to get one on there, as did Leona Lewis who yet again flopped a bit. Poor cow. You're going to notice soon enough that there's a Eurovision entry on there too... I know good pop music when I hear it and it's one mother of a pop song.  Then we have the behemoth debut album by Scottish songstress Emeli Sande, Our Version of Events which has a single flying high in my countdown. Have a look below and let me know your thoughts, positive or negative. To be fair, I don't care if you think Sam and the Womp should be number one. Also, don't go expecting to see the ear torture that is 'Candy' by Robbie Williams. Over my dead body:

25. Aiden Grimshaw - Curtain Call

The first of the Xfactor alumni to appear on my countdown, and not one of them's a winner. Aiden surprised with his brilliant debut album, packed with dub-step and drum & bass influences all produced by the same dude who helped pull together Lana Del Rey's debut album. This was the second single from the album and although it didn't really see much of the charts, it's a stunning power ballad, brimming with cool and a huge chorus.

24. Girls Aloud - Something New

At first listen I despised this annoying little bitch of a song. Then once I realised how awesome the chorus was I let them off for having the 'G-g-g-go-go-go' stutter. It's not their best song but it is one of the catchiest mothers of 2012. Xenomania never falters.

23. Loreen - Euphoria

I've never liked a Eurovision entry/winner, let alone loved one. This song is instantly incredible and is Eurovision's finest moment to date.

22. Carly Rae Jepsen - Call Me Maybe

When I first heard this I thought it was a joke song, like 'Candy' by Robbie Williams. I thought, 'what is this pish? It's a bit like that joke song by Robbie Williams called 'Candy''. Then after a couple of listens and seeing the video I thought, 'This is actually amazing and so much better than 'Candy' by Robbie Williams, which is total shite'. This is the second biggest song in the UK this year and will remain one of the catchiest pop tunes of the next decade (I imagine).

21. Rita Ora - R.I.P (Feat. Tinie Tempah)

Rita Ora hasn't had 20 number one hits on the charts; she has had 20 number one hits between her legs though. Ooohhhh Boom. The best part about this debut single from 20 Ora, apart from the hotness that is Tinie Tempah, is that panting bridge. It's one of my favourite moments of 2012 and is the finest song from her debut album ORA, which I didn't review very favourably.

Rated: Lana Del Rey - Paradise

Lana Del Rey is one of those artists who comes along once in a lifetime. Sure she might not belt them out like Whitney, drag her ass along the floor like Beyonce, or shave her head like Britney. What she does bring to the pop round table is hypnotic lyrical genius and a delightful old school voice. I'm not a fan of album repackages and I never will be. Unfortunately that's what Lana's gone and done, darnit! Thankfully, I've channeled her telepathically and she decided to release Paradise as an EP. 

The lead single from Paradise is 'Ride', one of 2012's most stunning songs, with one of 2012's most mesmerising music videos. 'American' is an incredible track about love and lust, written in Del Rey poetic fashion and on every listen I am transported to an open top car on the American West Coast. 'Body Electric' is a familiar and addictive song from Lana's live sets and 'Cola' shocks on first play as she sings 'My pussy tastes like pepsi-cola...' laid over a beautiful violin and guitar riff arrangement. 'Blue Velvet' opens like a sister of 'Born to Die' with climaxing violins, before Lana's iconic voice floats into ear shot. 

Paradise is a strong EP, however it would have benefited from some new flavours. Born to Die, as amazing as it was/is, wouldn't have been such a success without the likes of 'National Anthem' and 'Diet Mountain Dew' to mix up the tempo. Paradise, maintains a slow pace, with the exception of 'Ride', which at the very start doesn't break things up very well. Overall however, this serves as a lovely addition to the great moments of her debut.

3/5

Rated: Lana Del Rey - Ride

After one incredible year with a multi million selling debut album, lots of critically acclaimed singles and videos, and a bunch of awards, Lana Del Rey prepares to close it off with the release of a repackaged version of Born To Die, The Paradise Edition. I'm not a fan of repackaging albums, especially gorgeous albums like the above, but in this case I'm willing to allow it. 

The lead single from the 9 new song album (why can't it just be a brand new album?!) is called 'Ride' and it's beautiful. Accompanied by an arty video where Lana recalls a summer where she rode with bikers and maybe humped a few, this is a heady song with a belting chorus and some of Lana's most impressively distinct vocals to date. Check out the video below. What do you think? I say, AMAZING.

5/5

Rated Aiden Grimshaw - Misty Eye

The singing Jack Torrance of the Xfactor, Aiden Grimshaw blew us all away with his creepy yet moving performance of 'Mad World' back in 2010. After months of waiting impatiently I finally got to hear Misty Eye the other night. 

'Hold On' sets the tone for the album with its Lana Del Rey style production (a la National Anthem), courtesy of Jarrad Rogers; Aiden's raw and authentic vocals drape perfectly over the top. The first word that pops into your head on first listen is "intensity" and this is applicable to the entire album; it's not one for background music. The drama continues with debut single 'Is This Love?' with its drum 'n' bass sound, heart pounding build up and explosive chorus. 

'What We Gonna Be?' does surprise but I can't decide if this is a good thing. Aiden sounds great but the rap seems out of place and the track itself doesn't grab as instantly as its predecessors. It's all good though as things get back on course for the rest of the run time.

Roger's suited production continues with title track 'Misty Eye', which has a Moby feel to it. 'Got a misty eye on you/thought all your lies were true', Aiden sings and all the while establishing himself as, perhaps, the UK's most exciting male musical export for years. 'The Island' is my favourite song here, with a chorus so big it could shatter your nuts.  Covering Sia Furler's fantastic 'Breathe Me' Aiden quells any fears I had for the cover (I'm a huge Sia fan), respectfully adhering to the original's structure and sound. He keeps up this tone with the lovely Feist sound of 'Poacher's Timing'.

The album closes with two of the strongest tracks 'Nothing At All' and second single 'Curtain Call', both of which are incredible listens. The former is a trip hop, Emeli Sande 'Heaven' sounding exhilarator, while the latter is a haunting anthem, with stunning vocal wobbles bringing all emotions to the fore.

If there was ever an album that was deserving of success, Misty Eye is it.

4.5/5

Check out 'Curtain Call' after the jump.

Rated National Anthem

We've had 'Video Games', 'Born to Die' and 'Blue Jeans' from Born to Die,  Lana Del Rey's f*cking stunning debut album. Now we get... I just need a moment to regain myself and maybe let out a few squeals of school girlish joy... 'National Anthem' as a single. Here's the thing, this song is bloody brilliant. It's catchy, intoxicating and has some heady beats bumping up and down behind Lana's sort of rap (which is sexy btw). As if this wasn't orgasm inducing enough, the video is fantastic. 'Booyah baby bow down' you say? Lana babe, I'm on my knees already so keep singing.

Words escape me... so good. So good!

Check out the video here

Rated Thursday Playlist

They say music reflects and affects your mood. I'm not sure what mood I'm in, a pretty crappy one but the below playlist has plenty upbeat slices of yummy musical cake to keep you bouncing this coming weekend. I think the more up tempo tracks are probably illustrative of my desire to escape to a completely different existence. This isn't in any particular order, it's just some songs I can't stop listening to this week and I'll probably continue to batter then this weekend.

Rated i's weekend playlist (Published May 3rd)

Fun. - We Are Young
Rihanna - Where Have You Been?
Simian Mobile Disco - Cruel Intentions
James Blake - Why Don't You Call Me?
Black Keys - Gold on the Ceiling
Lana Del Rey - Off to the Races
Norah Jones - Happy Pills
Alicia Keys - Like the Sea
Beyonce - Sweet Dreams
Emeli Sande - My Kind of Love
Kele - Tenderoni

Rated Blue Jeans

I love this song from Lana Del Rey's debut album Born To Die. I made it clear how much I love the album back in January and as time has gone on I've grown to love it even more. You can say whatever you want about her, but you can't deny her musical charm. Also check out 'Radio'.

Rated Born To Die [Review Time]

It's been a big ol' wait, but finally Lana Del Rey's debut album Born To Die is in my hands, on my itunes and in both my ipod and iphone memories. From nobody to star in a few weeks, she is proof of the wonderful marketing tool we know as youtube. She instantly won over millions of viewers/listeners with her Nancy Sinatra tones on debut single, 'Video Games' and caused controversy with her fake lips. With an album as satisfying as this, who gives a shit?

Said debut single is still an album highlight, with gorgeous melodies layered on top of a haunting piano and Lana's sumptuous vocals gliding across the surface. There's a vulnerability and authenticity to her sound, with the odd crackle in her throat making it all sound like a live recording. The low tempo is continued with the title track, which is my personal favourite. "Oh my heart it breaks every step that I take/but I'm hoping at the gates they'll tell me that you're mine..." she sings in a lower, raspy register. 'Blue Jeans' also brims with a heartfelt message of love and passion, "I will love you till the end of time/I would wait a million years/Promise that you'll remember that you're mine."

The majority of the album is down tempo, however the pace picks up with the intoxicating 'Off to the Races', 'Summertime Sadness', and the giddy playground chants of 'Diet Mountain Dew'. The tempo crescendos, when the glorious 'National Anthem' kicks in and Lana semi raps her way through an intricately produced beauty. The chorus blows the arse out of any other song released this year. "Tell me I'm your national anthem/Booyah baby bow down making me say wow now," bites Lana as the pounding, exhilarating drum beats vibrate through your rib cage. 

Rated Incoming Jan/Feb 2012

There are two HUGE albums coming out in the next month and I couldn't be more excited. This is going to be such a good Jan/Feb!

First up is the gorgeous Lana Del Rey's debut album Born to Die, which spawned the immensely popular 'Video Games' and the stunning single 'Born to Die'. The latter is my personal favourite thus far, but I just know there are going to be some truly haunting moments on this album. Released 30th Jan, this is an essential album to take us to the end of winter. Lana baby, here I come!

Secondly, we've got the great Scottish talent that is Emeli Sande. With a voice like warm honey and a funky hair-do, she's a star in the making. Scrap that, she's already a star, bigger and better than so many of the artists who've made it in this country. I expect huge things from Our Version Of Events when it comes out on February 13th. With singles like 'Heaven' and my new obsession 'Daddy', this album is guaranteed to be special.

Rated Born to Die LP

Words cannot describe how insanely excited I am about this record. The day before my birthday too! If anyone fancies purchasing a copy for my birthday, let me know so I don't go getting it myself.

; )

Rated 'Born to Die'

I cannot wait for the debut album from Lana Del Rey. Not only does it come out a day before my birthday (hint hint!), I just know it's going to be phenomenal. 'Video Games' is a masterpiece, thus you wouldn't be bad in thinking it can't be surpassed. I think second single, 'Born to Die' does just that though. It opens with gorgeous violins and then the echoing, haunted beat kicks in. It's more affective than her debut single and the video is stunning. 'Choose your last words, this is the last time, cause you and I, we were born to die', she sings with her rough 'Nancy Sinatra' vocal. I expect great things in 2012 from this lady. Check out her new video below.

ALSO, how beautiful is this woman? I am besotted.

Rated MUSIC 2011

2011 was a great year for music! We got a sassy new album from Rihanna (surprise surprise), a baby Beyonce and her fourth album AND a stunning set at Glastonbury. We saw Coldplay light up Wembley for the Xfactor final, had news that rock Goddess Alanis Morissette will be dropping some new tunes in 2012, and got brilliant videos from the likes of Robyn, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga. 


2011 was, as we all know and are unlikely to forget, the year of Adele. It was as if she was a brand new artist and her second album 21 has sold in excess of 12million copies in less than 12 months. A great feat for a British artist and regardless of how sick we get of hearing 'Someone Like You', she proved to be the saviour of British music in 2011, racking up millions of record sales in the U.S. Perhaps my favourite moment of 2011 though, was the rise of Lana Del Rey. I am completely obsessed with this lady right now and I can't express enough how excited I am for her in 2012!


Below are my top albums and top singles of 2011.


Let me know what you think? Opinions count, sort of. These aren't ranked.