Obsessive Compulsive: Seculo Seculorum album review

The last in the series for the April artist of the month.
Seculo Seculorum is the second full length album from Manchester based four piece independent band Obsessive Compulsive. This album was fan funded using the PledgeMusic platform, it’s not available to those who have been pledged but will be out on full official release on June 24th.
The title ‘Seculo Seculorum’ immediately grabbed my attention, for me I imagined it representing the album as a large mystical book filled with power and potency, but I have since learned it actually means ‘Forever’ as music does indeed live forever, no matter how long ago someone passes away, their music can be still enjoyed for eternity.
I felt that this album is about strength, independence and self- empowerment. For instance the song ‘Stamp Your Own Path’  with it’s lyrics “You don’t need anyone, you never did, you never will, so come on stamp your own path.”
My personal favourite is the shouty ‘No Logo’ about being against corporations and remaining true to who you are “I won’t sell my soul to the corporations” “We won’t tell you what to buy or how to live your life” sung with such conviction, you know this is something the band feel strongly about.
Musically I can’t put this album into one particular category, “No Logo” has elements of punk, there’s a definite metal influence across the album as well as hard rock and on the final song ‘Swallow the Sound” I feel like lead singer Kelli is channeling Alanis Morissette vocally and to some extent lyrically too.
The album has anger and passion in spades, but overall it personally makes me feel empowered and strong, this is a band that have worked hard and it shows. We need more bands like Obsessive Compulsive. So please support them and other independent bands by buying their music and going to their gigs. You can find all Obsessive Compulsive tour dates by clicking here 
The first single will be ‘Regurgitate’ released on May 13th.

Pigtails and Army Boots Weekly Update

news round up
One of my favourite new bands 'Deap Vally' have finally announced the release date for their debut album, which will be called 'Sistrionix' and it's released on the 24th June- a day before my birthday. This band are amazing.



As if Yoko Ono couldn't be any cooler, she's doing another cool project. The 'John Lennon Bus' which will be touring giving young people the chance to get involved with music, video, photography, game and broadcast projects.
It kicks off at The Museum of Liverpool on May 8th,  before touring around schools, colleges and festivals. For info visit www.lennonbus.org
Weekly Event Guide
Tues 23rd April- Sun 28th April
Wed 24th- What the Frock Quiz Night upstairs at The Big Chill, Bristol 7.30 for 8pm start £3 to enter, up to four people on a team.
Fri 26th- Peaches at Indig02, Greenwich
What the Frock! All female comedy night at The Square, Bristol get tickets here
ARTIST OF THE MONTH- Obsessive Compulsive- I interviewed their lead singer Kelli about their fan funded album check it out by clicking here

Pigtails and Army Boots weekly update

Latest News:

Yeah Yeah Yeahs have released the disturbing video to go with epic new single 'Sacrilege' check it out:

Obsessive Compulsive's new fan pledged album 'Seculo Seculoram' was released to pledgers about half hour ago, I pledged, so am listening as I type and it's sounding AMAZING. Review to come soon!

La Roux revealed a new reggae tinged song at a gig recently

Weekly Event Guide

Monday 1st April- Sun 7th April

Tues 2nd April- La Roux at The Fleece, Bristol

Wed 4th April- 'What's the Most Important Issue Facing Feminists today?' at The Conway Hall, London. 6.30pm £5. Feminist bloggers from The New Statesman including the wonderful Laurie Penny discuss the issues.

Fri 5th April- Paramore at The Garage, London

Sat 6th April- Kate Nash at Rescue Rooms, Nottingham

With the new album released today, I'm making OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE my artist of the month for April- expect an album review, videos and more over the course of the month.

Review: Kate Nash- Girl Talk

Earlier this month, Kate Nash released her third album 'Girl Talk' which she released her on her own label 'Have 10p Records' with the help of fan funding using PledgeMusic.

I personally find Kate Nash inspiring. I liked the sweetness of her first record, it was almost like she was the less brash version of Lily Allen- a similar singing style and both capable of writing interesting lyrics, whilst Lily   sang about weed smoking brothers and enjoying seeing her ex boyfriend squirm, Kate was behind a piano, singing about the demise of a relationship, and about falling in lust with someone- but she wasn't the typical singer songwriter behind the piano, she was more cheerful, the songs were bouncy, catchy pop ditties like 'Foundations'



I have to admit despite enjoying 'Made of Bricks' I never got round to buying her second album 'My Best Friend is You' but in the interim I found out more about Kate Nash, the person behind the music. I found out that she proudly calls herself a feminist, started an after school club to help get more girls into song-writing when she found out the measly amount of females who received song writing loyalties as well as volunteering at a women's shelter, working with all girl band and female sound engineers.

Then last year, she released a new free to download song which sounded completely different to what she had previously recently, that caused quite a stir on the internet-


for me though, I loved it! I really felt it captured the riot grrrl spirit, and knowing she had also been playing in a punk band, I found the progression seemed to be a natural one for her, and when I heard she was releasing a new album, I was really looking forward to hearing how her music would develop.

Girl Talk didn't disappoint! I find it an intriguing mix of the more sweet, candy pop side of her with songs like '3am'


but then she goes much grungier and heavier on songs like 'Death Proof'


The album really shows the flexibililty of Kate's voice as well, one minute she's singing in harmony, then she's 'rock chick', on 'Cherry Pickin' she seems to be channelling Kathleen Hanna on an almost surf beat, and she even attempts rap on 'Rap For Rejection' which is surprisingly good.

I also love how she really shows her feminist colours on this album, in 'Rap for Rejection' she sings about sexism in all it's form and shapes, from men calling her a lesbian for refusing to give her phone number, to only finding the music magazines in the men's section of the news-stands. Then there's my personal favourite 'All Talk' where she sings 'You have a problem with me 'cause I'm a girl, I'm a feminist and if that offends you, then fuck you'.  But she also has songs about friendship, breaking up, and feeling like a freak. 

'Girl Talk' is a punk album with a feminist, female empowerment soul behind it, and lyrics that I'm sure most girls will relate to in some way. Highly recommended! 

Spirituality and Music

As well as being passionate about music, I'm a very deeply connected a spiritual person too, I follow a pagan path and have interests in most mind, body and spirit type activities such as crystals, meditation etc etc but how do I make the connection between my spirituality and music? One thing that I do, is I have a pre programmed playlist on my mp3 player that I listen to every morning while having my breakfast, full of music that makes me happy or has a positive message. This isn't meditation music or even necessarily calm music, but music I listen to in general like rock, indie and so forth- here are some of the songs I've got on there:

Bonafide- Fill Your Head with Rock
really great rock n roll song but with great positive lyrics
" when you feel like you're sinking like a stone, fill your head with rock, when you feel like you're sinking to the ground, fill your head with your rock, the only medication I ever need is fill your head with rock"
makes me smile every time I hear it!


The Amorettes- Bed Rock
this song not so much for the lyrics but for the great riff and it's so incredibly catchy and happy sounding!



Alanis Morissette- You Learn
a reminder that life isn't always perfect, but you always learn from it- "You bleed, you learn, you breathe, you learn"


patti Smith- Spell
a basic stripped down song reminding that everything is holy-" The world is holy...The soul is holy..The skin is holy..
The nose is holy..The tongue and cock and hand 
and asshole holy
Everything is holy...everybody's holy..everywhere is 
holy..everyday is in eternity..Everyman's an 
angel"

I've got more on there but that's just some examples. Music creates feelings, maybe memories. It doesn't matter if it's marketed as spiritual music or not, music is a spiritual experience in itself- the feeling I have being at a gig makes me feel connected just as much as sitting quietly in a park does. I try to connect my passion for music and my faith a lot. What music has this effect on you and what connections do you have with your spirituality/religion and the music you listen to?

2012- pretty darn good year for music, and well life!

Well only 2 days left of 2012 left, so the inevitable 'end of the year' blog is here!
Music wise, I think 2012 has been a pretty decent year for music, Patti Smith released a new album 'Banga', Gaggle released their debut album 'From the Mouth of the Cave', other favourites of mine were Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra- Theatre is Evil, The Corin Tucker Band- Kill my Blues and Garbage- Not Your Kind of People.
here my choices of 2012 on my end of the year special here

Gigs of 2012
Wild Flag
Robots in Disguise (and this year I got to interview them too)!
Ladyfest East London
Pigtails and Army Boots the live event! (organised by me- obviously)!
Garbage
Black Belles
We Rock Like Girls Don't
Bleech
Gaggle album launch party
Patti Smith
Amanda Palmer
Trash Monroe
Lovely Eggs
Hard Rock Hell

I wrote lots more reviews, and did my first interview in person (the RID one as previously mentioned)
feminism wise, I went to Million Women Rise for the third time and London Slutwalk for the first time and finally Southend Feminist Group is running, it's only small but hopefully 2013 it will get bigger! I also tok part in a Free Pussy Riot protest near the Russian embassy and have been supporting the campaign.

Other achievements/interesting stuff from 2012:  did the Moonlight Colourthon again, started going to Pagan Moots, organised another charity gig, went to the Doctor Who Experience, helped with a beach clean up, and most importantly moved house!

I think I achieved a lot this year but in 2013, I would like to actually get paid for music journalism, to do some sort of volunteer work, to do more creative writing and finally finish editing my novel, to pass my dispensing course at work and go to even more pagan/spiritual events. I also think I should admit to my mistakes more!
How was your 2012?

The Women of Hard Rock Hell

Everyday I look at all the various music websites to find relevant information and bands for my show, and sometimes I'll enter competitions- if I think Miguel (my husband) or I would enjoy the prize. Earlier this year I entered a competition I think via Planet Rock to win tickets for Hard Rock Hell- a rock festival in Wales- I entered thinking of Miguel as I wasn't too familiar with the bands that had been announced on the line up but he knew he liked a few of them, as they were names I knew he had played on this radio show The Rock Experience.

Little did I know, but I actually won tickets! The prize was for 6 people, with reduced price accommodation for all the nights. It turned out to be quite difficult to get other people to take the spare tickets due to either not being interested in the bands or various other commitments. In the end I got two other people to join us, one of them a friend of mine from my local Animal Aid group who has been a few times before and was also happy to drive us up there as long as we were happy to contribute to petrol costs. We were lucky enough to only pay £100 each for the four nights on site.

I had no idea what accommodation we would get, or what it would be like, especially as my friend Maria was telling me that the accommodation on a previous year was really bad, but they had actually changed camp site from previous years. As it turned out, we were lucky enough to have a chalet as opposed to a caravan and it turned out to be pretty nice- it had heating in all the rooms, a shower, and a basic but workable kitchen- for us it was amazing as the only festivals we'd been to in the past have been camping- so this was real luxury! The site was at a Havens - the Hafan Y Mor site in North Wales. It took us forever to get there- probably about 7 hours- and the tiny roads in the mountains looked rather intimidating in the dark! It really felt like it was in the middle of nowhere. The site happened to be right near the beach, it was a short walk to a fantastic view of the sea (with Snowdonia in the backdrop)! and fields full of sheep right next to it!

the kitchen in the chalet

view of the sea and mountains

sheep!

The actual campsite was fairly large with plenty of chalets and caravans available, but it was only a short walk for us to get to the main festival location. There were two indoor stages right opposite from each other so you could easily go from one to the other. The first stage was pretty huge with just a few bars and a chippy and Burger King at the back. The second stage was also large but there was a 'metal market' in there also with loads of stalls with lots of things, like handmade jewellery  music, clothes and other bits and bobs and most of the prices were pretty reasonable too- I got some handmade earrings for £5 and also got given a African bloodstone by the lady running the stall who was a psychic wiccan. There were also more bars and just next door there was a Starbucks where they had some acoustic and signing sessions- we tried to watch one acoustic session but it was so small we couldn't get in. There was also a restaurant on site but each time we went there was no vegan food and on Sunday they didn't even have a vegetarian option. Luckily we had brought some of our own food along but we did have chips from the chip shop several times! There was also a few Spar shops so we could easily buy some groceries and basics if needed.

Anyway onto the music- from the perspective of my show this review/blog will be about the female side of the festival. I looked up all the bands before we left and made an effort to watch all the bands that I knew of which were female fronted.

Thursday night was the fancy dressed themed 'Gunslingers Ball' as we had travelled for so long we arrived quite late anyway, but there were no female fronted bands playing that day and the bands we saw were very 80's style cock rock and not very good. I was a bit worried this might mean I wouldn't enjoy the rest of the festival that much.

Friday was a different story. The first band we watched properly were Ajenda, an Irish band led by small pixie like Jen- but with an amazing rock Goddess like voice. Big riffs, melody you can dance to and a lively performance despite being on fairly early in the day.

Second female artist of the day was Dante Fox. Quite different from Ajenda, Dante Fox has more of an 80's AOR rock feel- a bit like the more commercial side of Heart. She seemed to have a few hardcore fans down the front with us but there were some hecklers- I felt like she coped well with it though- joking about being in a cold caravan, and also saying stuff like "you know I wrote these guys guitar riffs..." We got a drumstick and a copy of the setlist at the end too.

The final female fronted band and the final band of the day on Friday were Die So Fluid. Now I was vaguely familiar with the band enough to know I would like them- but watching them made me ashamed that I don't own any of their albums as I completely fell in love with their awesome slightly metal tinged hard rock and Grog's great voice. They were the absolute highlight of the weekend for me. The crowd went wild for them and it was great that was the case as they were competing with Sebastian Bach on the main stage.

Saturday we saw my second favourite of the weekend Domenica, who get an extra special shout out for having TWO girls in the band! For some reason I was expecting something along the lines of Doro- but I was totally wrong. More awesome hard rock with a tinge of grunge influence.

Second female fronted band of Saturday's line up were Spiders who are very much in the vein of 70's style rock in the same vein as Led Zeppelin. I wish I hadn't been feeling tired when they came on as their set was a bit short but really awesome and I think I could get to really like this band.

On Sunday, there was a line up change that I wasn't aware of, so sadly we only caught a small portion of the last song of The Amorettes, a Scottish all female band who sounded really great- very much like The Donnas- pure straight up rock n roll.

The final female fronted band of the weekend were Kobra and the Lotus who almost like Iron Maiden- if they had a female singer and were a bit heavier-yes they were very much metal. Funny enough they even played a cover of 'The Wicker Man'' by Iron Maiden. Even though I'm not too fond of metal myself, I found the singer incredibly likeable, she looked like she was having the best time on stage, throwing the horns right back at the crowd who loved her as much as she loved them.

There was also a performance group going around all weekend called Area 51, either on stilts with various costumes and some ladies who danced and could BREATHE FIRE!! When I saw these ladies come out in very little clothing during Bonafide, at first I thought it was all a bit rock n roll cliché but then when they started breathing fire I got a whole other level of respect for them!

Overall the festival was not as male dominated as I had expected it to be, there were rock fans of all ages and the gender divide was pretty even. The attitude was good too, there seemed to be no trouble at all and I always felt safe- even in the front row by the barrier. Some people may think it's a bit rubbish if there was no mosh pit, but for me I want to go to a gig and be able to dance without the fear of getting trod on or beaten up, everyone was having a great time dancing or head banging but it was all happy and not angry!

I suprised myself- it was the best festival I've ever been to- so well organised and friendly. All I would chane is the time of year it's on and to have vegan food available on the site. There were many other highlights like feeding the ducks in the pond, catching a Buckcherry pick and singing loudly to Ugly Kid Joe's "Everything About You" but for now I say Rock on and hopefully see you at the barrier next year Hard Rock Hell!

Majority of photos taken by Miguel :) 

Amanda Palmer and the Grand Theft Orchestra at KOKO, 23/10/12

When I arrived at the KOKO, the queue had long since formed, having been to several AFP shows now, I recognised certain faces who have been at every gig. The usual mix of people who had glammed themselves up, people in black, glitter, goth, alternative- the lot.

Excitement kicked in when AFP arrived on stage with a bottle of wine in hand and flowers in the other, but she wasn't there to start playing she was there to introduce the first support act (I think there was another one before I arrived too). The first one I saw was the bassist of the Grand Theft Orchestra's band and he was very impressive- I think he was surprised how well the audience reacted to his brand of music which included classical arrangements. After him, we saw a friend of AFP's who was a singer (please forgive me for not knowing the names, I really should have wrote this review sooner)! and also the guitarist of Grand Theft orchestra's band who were very 80's style and had flamingos on sticks that they passed around the audience- one of which ended up with it's legs being pulled off!

AFP had been saying before introducing one of the acts that she was taking away the anticipation of her entrance by introducing all her friends, but that really wasn't the case- as the stage finally lit up to the interval piece from 'Theatre is Evil' and flowers were thrown from the stage- I didn't really realise until I caught one right in my hand! Then, as if that wasn't enough they went into 'Smile' and there was a t.v screen behind them with the photos members of the audience had submitted to the '7 photo upload' appeared very fast, and I caught two of mine flick past several times- me with Robots in Disguise, and my face framed by my hands!

The entire show was one big party- as she blasted through songs off the new album- my favourite track 'The Killing Type' got a particularly good reception. Dresden Dolls song 'Missed Me' saw the orchestra swapping instruments.

After 'Grown Man Cry' things changed pace a bit as she read audience's responses to the question 'what's something sad that's happened in your room' - some of them had a wry humour about them, most of them very emotional and you could see people were crying as she then went onto play the beautiful song 'The Bed Song'.

Next amazing moment- AFP crowdsurfing over us (well near enough so we could reach her) during 'Bottomfeeder'.
Later in the show she pulled even more surprises out of the metaphorical hat, as Scroobius Pip came out to perform his 'Letter from God to Man' - followed by an awesome cover of 'Careless Whisper' and THEN of course where there is AFP- there is almost always Neil Gaiman- and there he was singing a song called 'Psycho' with a SAW ORCHESTRA!!! The love between them (Neil and Amanda) was so clear and beautiful as he appeared on stage.

THEN- as if things couldn't get any better, RICHARD O BRIEN came out and did The Time Warp!  a very packed KOKO attempted to do the time warp, this has to be one of my favourite gig moments ever!

The final encore consisted of a very audience participation version of 'Want it Back' as AFP and soem of the members of the orchestra appeared on one of the balcony's-

this would be a much better, more informative review if I hadn't left it so long to write it- but here's some photos, videos etc which I hope will help you to envision how wonderful it was!

Setlist:

1. Smile (Pictures or It Didn't Happen) 
2. The Killing Type 
3. Missed Me 
   (The Dresden Dolls cover)
4. Want It Back 
5. Astronaut (A Short History of Nearly Nothing) 
   (Amanda Palmer cover)
6. Grown Man Cry 
7. The Bed Song 
8. Trout Heart Replica 
9. Bottomfeeder 
10. MAGICFUTUREBOX 
11. In My Room 
    (Yazoo cover)
12. Letter From God to Man 
    (Dan le Sac vs. Scroobius Pip cover) (with Scroobius Pip)
13. Careless Whisper 
    (Wham! cover)
14. Psycho 
    (Leon Payne cover) (with Neil Gaiman)
15. The Time Warp 
    (with Richard O'Brien)
16. Girl Anachronism 
    (The Dresden Dolls cover)
17. Want It Back 
    (From the balcony backed by the audience)

Album review: Dana Jade

Dana Jade is a former member of alternative female choir Gaggle, who has decided to break away from the pack and become a lone wolf with the release of her own self titled rocking debut album which was released at the end of May and has already been gaining many positive reviews.

I'm only going to add to the positive reviews- as I'm also really enjoying the album. If you're looking for a solo version of Gaggle, this isn't it. (let's face it, would that really be possible)?! Dana's style is much more rock based with soaring guitar, and vocals virtually dripping with attitude.

This is proper grrrl rock n' roll which isn't shy- this is full on- an album that should be played at full blast. From the catchy singles 'Little Sister' and 'Eyes of Cinder'  to my personal favourite song, the musical equivalent of an arguement (in a good way)! 'She or I Go'

You can buy the album from Dana's Bandcamp found right here

These are the videos to the singles in case you need any more convincing:

Bleech Album Launch Show at The Borderline, 22nd June 2012

 (Top photo: Jen of Bleech, Bottom photo: Drag Your Heels)

After recently writing reviews of their recent single 'Adrenaline Junkie' and also their debut album 'Nude' recently, I managed to get myself into their album launch party at London's Borderline venue on Friday. I've seen them once before a few years back at the Pink Festival when the band were known as Slummin Angels and even then I thought they were great, and they've developed so much more since then.

I hadn't been to The Borderline and was quite surprised how small it was, but it is a lovely venue with two bars, places to sit, (where you could watch the bands on a TV screen if you wanted to) as well as a nicely lit stage and dance floor.

The first support act were Drag Your Heels. The band are a female fronted three piece based in London who say they are inspired by blues, girl groups and punk. Their singer Lucy, reminded me a lot of Stevie Nicks, although their music doesn't remind me of Fleetwood Mac! They had a fantastic full sound, rock n roll infused with blues and catchy chorus's- I dare you to have a listen to the song 'How It's Meant to Be' and not tap your feet! In fact, I dare you to not be moved in some way by any of their songs.

The second support act I didn't watch properly so straight on to Bleech!
They came onto the sound of her majesty herself introducing them over the speakers as they happened to release the album on the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. * To a packed out venue, they blistered their way through the majority of 'Nude' including 'Break My Nose',  the slower track 'Flowerhands' and an extended version of 'Dancing Without You' before ending it with my personal favourite (and most other people's it seemed by the crowd's reaction) the ever so catchy 'Monday's.'

They talked a little between the songs, joking that the audience was just their mates and talking about releasing the album their selves and encouraging us to enjoy ourselves.  There was no need- with music as fresh and exciting as theirs is, it was inevitable. If you get the chance- buy the album and see them live it'll be well worth it!

Awesome Bands: Trash Monroe

In my awesome bands post last week, I wrote about We Rock Like Girls Don't, a band although I've been interested in for a long time, I've only seen live recently.

Another awesome band who I've seen many times as they are a local band, and I've also had them play at two events I've organised, headlining one of them- the one time I've ever seen a local band be urged to play an encore- they were that good!

The band I'm talking about is the fantastic Southend based Trash Monroe. The band have garnered quite a reputation for their live shows as well as their music, and I really can't understand why this band are not well known yet!
It's quite hard to put into words what their music is like as it's a mix of several genres, so here's some videos for you to check out, my personal favourite song is 'Venus Envy'

Awesome bands: We Rock Like Girls Don't

Last night I got to see the fantastic We Rock Like Girls Don't live for the third time and the second time in a venue local to me, thanks in a way to my Pigtails and Army Boots live night as the sound engineer Duncan, actually asked them to support his punk covers band Swindle at Club Riga and they agreed- hooray!

Each and everytime I have seen them whatever the circumstances they have always performed a fantastic and lively performance. The first time I saw them live was at Ladygarden in Cambridge last year, which was in a tiny and very crowded pub and it was a proper rock n roll finish to the event- then I saw them at my event, sadly due to things running late there wasn't a massive crowd for them but they still managed to perform a great rock set, and then last night I was really happy for them as despite not being a 'punk' band and being a support act, the crowd reacted very positively to them and were asking about cds etc.

I've known about WRLGD for quite some time, back in the ye old MySpace days and had one of their cds sent to me years ago but it was after seeing them at Cambridge that I got back in touch and subsequently got more of their music and even interviewed them for my show.

In recent months the album 'How Did We Get to This' has been one of my most played- particularly 'I Just Want to Stick My Head in the Bass Drum' and 'Rock n Roll Freak' there may only be two of them but they make a hell of a lot of noise and it's an excellent rock n roll explosion of joy for your ears.

If you haven't already checked them out, I highly suggest you do- they sound great recorded but even more amazing live- here are some videos of their music for you to enjoy:

The Black Belles

Last weekend I went down to my local pub The Railway Hotel to check out a hotly tipped band called The Black Belles. When I first got the invite on Facebook, I hadn't heard of the Black Belles, so of course I looked them up, and got excited when I found out that they were an all female band, who also dress in a kinda witchy way, I looked up a few videos and liked what I heard.  I also discovered there was a big buzz around them, mainly because of them being discovered by the one and only Jack White and being signed to his record label.

On the night itself, you could tell this gig was a BIG DEAL. I had never seen the pub as full as it was on this particular night. You could barely breathe as it was so full- yes it was a free gig, but they have free gigs very regularly. We even saw other people we knew, and most of the people we spoke with hadn't even heard their music, they had just heard there was a buzz, so wanted to see what the fuss was about.

The Black Belles certainly have presence, most of them were quite tall, so the microphone stand had to be put on a box just so it was high enough- and they have this cool gothy look with matching hats and dark hair. I was completely enthralled by the drummer- she had a beautiful dress with skulls all over it and she played the drums with such passion.

I was really impressed with their sound and look forward to hearing more- here are some videos to give you a taster:

This Week's show

Pigtails and Army Boots 15th May 2012 by Dj Moonlight on Mixcloud

Garbage

This coming Wednesday I'm going to see Garbage live for the first time- it's in support of their new album 'Not My Kind of People' that will be their first new studio album since 2003's 'Bleed Like Me'- that in itself is enough to be excited about, but I'm extra excited as I've liked Garbage for years and years. When I wasn't quite out of my pop music phase as a teenager, I think Garbage's 'Version 2.0' may have been one of the first rock/alternative albums I owned. I remember distinctly that I got it for one of my birthdays, and I had a birthday party- all my friends came round and we sat in the garden with music blaring out- we were playing something like one of the 'Now that's what I call music' compilations, when I got up, took the CD out and put in 'Version 2.0'- I remember at the time, my friends looking at me with horror! This was quite a contrast to my usual tastes back then, when Spice Girls and Hanson were my favourites.



It wasn't until a good few years later, when I started getting properly into rock music, that I went and got their debut album and this song became one of my favourites..



I don't know what it was exactly about Garbage that made me listen to them amongst the pop, but maybe it was something to do with one Miss Shirley Manson..

I had something about red-heads, perhaps as a red head myself, as my favourite Spice Girl was Geri as well and I didn't like them the same once she left..

Not only that. but Shirley always looked (and still does) so cool, such style and looks the kind of girl you wouldn't mess with!

Now years later, and obviously female fronted rock music is my main music of choice, so Garbage still remain..and Shirley Manson has only gone up in my estimation. She didn't get known until she was in her thirties, and she refuses to be moulded into something she's not, while Garbage were barely on speaking terms, she was contracted to do a solo album- this got cancelled after the record label didn't like what Shirley had recorded, they wanted her to be 'The Annie Lennox of your generation' and Shirley wasn't having any of that.
She's also done lots of charity work including an anti fur campaign for PETA and also has defended Madonna and the criticism in general the media gives to women in music.
So that's why I'm so bloody excited that I'll finally get to see her on stage..here's some more videos of my favourite songs and their latest..

latest release..








and I love Shirley's dress and look in this video..

Madonna

Last week I read this blog about a book called 'Madonna and Me-Women Writers on the Queen of pop- it's basically a book with various writers writing about the influence of Madonna and her music on their lives- there's positive and negative points of view- but I guess the main premise of the book is that for most women Madonna being the powerful musical icon she is, has had some sort of influence somewhere in their lives- I don't know many people that don't have any opinion on Madonna.

Anyway this got me thinking about Madonna and her influence on MY life. It would be wrong for me not to acknowledge Madonna, as she certainly has had a profound influence on my life and my taste in music as well.

I have often joked that I was probably dancing around in my mother's womb to Madonna's music- my mum listened to Madonna and the year I was born (1984) was the year her breakthrough album 'Like a Virgin' was released.

I remember as a little girl, back when I had vinyl (!) having many Madonna albums- her self title debut, Like a Virgin, True Blue and Like a Prayer- as well as the soundtracks to Dick Tracey and Who's That Girl? Now I remember distinctly that as well as Kylie Minogue, my Madonna albums were the most played records.

When the vinyl went, Madonna stayed- now there were tapes and cds- and now there were more 'grown up' albums 'Erotica' and 'Bedtime Stories.' Now I wanted to be like Madonna- there were many renditions in front of the mirror with a hairbrush- and at various times I wanted to copy her style- I loved how she changed her whole image with each album like a chameleon- I wanted to look how she did in the 'Like a Prayer' video, and for a while I really wanted to copy her punky style that she had back in the 80's- lots of bangles and crucifix necklaces.

The final album I loved her for was 'Ray of Light' in 1998. Even though I liked a couple of the singles from 'Music', this album just didn't hit a chord the way all her other albums had- the subsequent albums she didn't really change her image so much and the music was predominantly dance based.

But despite the fact that I haven't been into Madonna's last few albums this doesn't change the fact I will always have a soft spot for the Queen of pop. I find myself feeling like I need to defend her when people make nasty comments- and I still love her older albums as much as I always have even though my main music taste is more rock based.

Madonna to me, represents a strong, powerful, independent woman who has never been afraid to do what she wants to do despite any conflict (currently ageism especially) and is also probably one of the first female musicians to really push boundaries in relation to her sexuality. Somehow, Madonna seems to make female sexuality empowering and powerful, and not just for the satisfaction of men- but also for ourselves. But Madonna is much more than a sex symbol- she can sing, she can dance- she has always known how to sell herself- changing with the times and influencing many of our current pop stars.

Now to include some songs that have had a big impact on me: (sorry no 'proper' videos as her record company won't allow them to be shared)

and still one of my favourite songs ever-

Free Music!

Some music you can get free!

Firstly the amazing Riot Grrrl compilations put together by Riot Grrrl Berlin- there's two so far, with plans to make one every two months- you can download both for free here

there's tracks from the likes of Pussy Riot, Femmepop, Driver, Ten Tigers, Hooker and much much more!

and speaking of Ten Tigers, they have a new song which is available for free- an anthem to Jenson Button! Here's the link to download it for free- Free!

singer M also made a cute little video to go with it-here

Review: Rock In Your Pocket- Gutterdub release date:5th March

Rating: ****

Rock in Your Pocket were first brought to my attention when I wrote this introducing piece for thegirlsare, based on hearing their single 'Doubtbox'. I was undeniably impressed with what I heard and felt their sound was something refreshing in a sea of mild mannered women singers that seem to be overplayed and overrated at the moment. So when singer Charlie gave me the opportunity to listen to their debut Gutterdub it was an offer I couldn't refuse.

'Doubtbox' was a mere scratch on the surface of what Rock in Your Pocket are capable of. The band are only a three piece but judging by Gutterdub, have the sound of a much larger outfit. The album is dirty, raw and rocking throughout. My immediate comparison is to Queen Adreena, but I by no means want to sell this band short as despite my comparison I feel the band has an original and fresh sound. I am yet to witness Rock in Your Pocket live, but if this album is anything to go by, I feel like it would complete the experience.

Asides from 'Doubtbox', I'm also particularly drawn to 'Nobody's Bitch But Mine', a track that feels empowering and also anthem like, a perfect driving start to this album, that is well worth taking time to check out.

The band play gigs regularly, and their next gig is their album launch party which is taking place on Friday 2nd March at the Jubilee at the Barfly in London.

I think there is a real lack of heavier, guitar based female fronted bands at the moment that aren't in the vein of bands like Nightwish and Lacuna Coil. Some are starting to emerge to a great reception for example Wild Flag. Is it time we saw even more girls rocking out? Why are these amazing bands more in the spotlight instead of the likes of Adele and Lana Del Ray?

Wild Flag @ The Electric Ballroom London 1st Feb 2012

It's fair to say I have been listening to Wild Flag's debut self titled album pretty much non stop since I bought it, and the more I listened to it the more I fell in love with their unique sound. It has the best album I have bought for quite some time. When I first read about them, and realised they were in essence a Riot Grrrl supergroup comprising of members of Sleater Kinney, Helium and The Minders (as well as the other bands they all had been part of too) and of course I had high expectations! I wasn't disappointed. As soon as I saw they had a gig in London, I had to witness it! I just hoped I wouldn't be let down when I saw them performing.

The support act was Peggy Sue who I had seen previously as a Ladyfest in their former carnation as Peggy Sue and the Pirates. Their music is very bluesy and folk influenced rock.

You could feel the anticipation in the packed out room as Peggy Sue finished their set and we waited for Wild Flag to emerge. When they did they did, they did in style starting off with 'Black Tile'. The set consisted of the entire album and a few new tracks. But Wild Flag don't just go through the motions of playing song after song, oh no, this is one band I highly recommend, in fact I COMMAND you go and see live as soon as you can, because even though the album is amazing, it really makes it special to hear it live. The band put so much energy into their performance, jumping around the stage, doing AC/DC style guitar moves. They also extended 'Racehorse' so it had a Jimi Hendrix style breakdown in the middle with a mass crowd clap along to the bridge "pony up pony up", ending with a very rock n roll finish.

They of course ended with single 'Romance' before they returned to do an encore that featured covers of Television's "See No Evil" and The Patti Smith Group's "Ask The Angels".

I left the venue feeling elated, feeling I had witnessed the evolution and resurrection of the Riot Grrrl Movement.

Projects you can be part of!

First of all the lovely Sarah Rocks of Times Beach magazine wants to do an issue dedicated to women in the riot grrrl underground music scene, with interviews, photos and videos among other things. She's interested in hearing from Feminist groups as well.

if interested, send the following details to: Sarah@times-beach.com

Name/ Band Name:

Location:

A Link to your music:

musical influences

band bio (brief)

and if that's not enough Riot Grrrl Berlin are putting together their 2nd compilation and the deadline is

15th Feb

https://www.facebook.com/events/108199912626694/

if you haven't downloaded the first one yet, it's completely free and has TWO AND A HALF!! hours of great grrrl music on it

http://riotgrrrlberlin.tumblr.com/compilation01 it's really awesome so I highly recommend you get it :D