Refreshers

So, this has been my first week back at University after 3 months away for summer, and alas I've done no work. I did order a book off Amazon today though, so things are looking positive. It has been a pretty eventful week, and after arriving back last Friday, today (Saturday) is the first time I have stayed in. Last weekend was spent moving 700 freshers into my old hall, trying to reassure anxious mothers that their children would survive and meeting fathers who seemed a little too keen to wave off their offspring. Aside from fresher nights out, I've been to a few alternative clubs. Snobs on a Wednesday is Bimingham's answer to 5th Avenue in Manchester and a weekly staple for the alternative crowd. It's an independent, self promoted albeit a bit sweaty (all the good places are) club which plays various styles from jazz to folk in one room and more crowd-pleasing alternative songs in a second room. It was an enjoyable night out for one of my housemates birthdays and was pretty much like greeting an old friend and catching up. Snobs is still definitely a must on a bi-weekly basis for me. The second place was GateCrasher's new replacement indie night Supersonic vogue as last year's night, Propaganda, has since moved to the O2 Academy. Although there was a lot of hype surrounding the night because of the quite brilliant free promotional remix CD, the night itself wasn't the "alternative Loaded" which we had maybe been expecting.

I also managed to visit The new O2 Academy to see Florence and the Machine on Sunday, which was fantastic. To be honest I never really listened to them before my girlfriend introduced me to them, however I'm glad she did. They were breathtaking and performed the whole album to perfection. The Academy is also a lot nicer than the old one, which in a strange way I dislike, I prefer my music scene to have a bit more character than cocktail bars, carpets and bathroom attendants, but maybe that's just me.

All in all a great first week back. I also applied for my own Radio show on the University's Burn FM (www.burnfm.com) to host a punk/rock show, so hopefully some more information on this will follow. All I have to worry about now is getting a degree.

Royal Orchid

What exactly does it mean to be "mainstream"? How can we define this most tarnishing of labels, which if given to many bands is a death sentence in the eye of cool? Popular opinion will state that if a band goes "mainstream", tags follow such as sell-outs, commercial and ultimately become uncool. When no-one knows that band which you own all the original EPs, the handprinted tee and who who you've met 3 times at the local Wetherspoons, you feel insanely cool telling this to people. For them, you are on the brink of revolutionary new music and influential new bands. Just think Zane "I love what this band do" Lowe. And that's his job. You better hope they don't actually sell some records and have some commercial success. Telling people they're your favourite band would then look like a you're simply clutching NME's coattails. Not moving off topic, what does "mainstream" mean? I have two proposals and when trying to answer this question. Mainstream could mean airplay on Edith Bowman, MTV charts, massive selling singles and hearing a band's songs in Marks and Spencer on your weekly "nice" food shop. This is one theory, and usually incorporates pop(ular) inoffensive music, and bands which are good to know for a conversation with the GateCrasher DJ. But, surely "mainstream" is more than this. A band can be "mainstream", even if not being playing on Radio 1 24/7, time has it's influence, can a band ever fall from the dizzy heights of "mainstream success"? and airplay tends to revolve around more break through acts.

However, I have a different theory, I will focus on the band Radiohead to explain my thoughts. I believe that within genres, circles, styles (whatever) of music there are "mainstream" bands. Just because a band hasn't got a sound or style which everyone listens to does not make them "unmainstream". A band at the fore-front of an alternative genre, can still be "mainstream". This is the Radiohead theory. Although Radiohead have evolved like no other band in the last 20 years, and the sound isn't pop(ular) as such, as a band they are, I maintain that the record sales, gig sales, admittedly limited airplay and mass following means they are a "mainstream" band. Furthermore, there is the grey area of popularity and "mainstream"? Surely if a band can sell a platinum album, then they are "mainstream" because a huge amount of people are listening to them. Although a band's sound may not be considered "mainstream", a band can still be considered guilty. I appreciate the sound of In Rainbows is alternative and certainly not "mainstream", don't get me wrong, however the band as a name or brand are. It is a marred difference between judging a band by name and reputation or musically. Unfortunately I believe the former dominates. Hence, explaining why when that small band with a great new original sound which you love, becomes world famous, there's a part of you that resents it, and that indie kid in Snobs will always prefer the early stuff, and why didn't you buy that ultra rare import from Tokyo? Honestly it's amazing.

I Got Love

This band speak to me. The King Blues. Flirting with the genres of reggae, folk, ska and punk, The King Blues released their debut album "Save the World, Get the Girl" earlier this year. Made up of 3 members and various unorthodox instruments, The King Blues draw influence from The Clash, Minor Threat, Against Me!, Refused and Sham 69. The album has interesting themes running through the course of 11 tracks. In some respects it an account of Jonny "Itch" Fox's teenage years living on the street selling big issues and sharing squats with the homeless. In some parts I sense a highly personal account of the challenges of growing up and maintaining principles which do not always see eye to eye with society. It is a record which sends a message to keep faith in whatever you believe in. It digs deep inside the human soul and to "take pride in whoever the fuck you want to be". He is an inspiration. "What if Punk Never Happened" is a hell of a song and sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it. It is a 7 minute long monologue analysis of contemporary society. As Itch puts it “The album tells the story of a protester who falls in love on the frontline as it were, has his heart broken, gets into drugs, then comes out of it in the end realizing that ultimately he is nothing without love. The over-riding theme then is: ‘love conquers all’.”

One Month Only

Once every four years for a month or so, a number of football teams each representing a nation assemble in a pre-appointed host country and play some games of football. For one month goals will be scored, heroes will be written into folklore, villians will be spited hereon and forever after, tears will be shed for joy, for misery, pundits will analyse, fans will over-analyse, column inches will be read and re-read and most of all the world will stop. For one month every four years, the world and all that it is takes a backseat, in place of it, a simple game involving two teams, two goals and most importantly a ball takes centre stage. The FIFA World Cup, the showpiece of humanity and the greatest event in the history of mankind. For anyone reading this and thinking I'm being ironically sarcastic, please don't.

192 nations in qualification. 32 at the finals. 64 games. 8 groups. 1 winner.

Football is more than a game and The World Cup is more than a tournament. Football has the ability to united nations, united the world, through a common ground. The beauty of the beautiful game lies within its simplicity. One method of scoring, one instrument, one goal. I cannot explain how much joy I gain from this sporting extravaganza. I love football every season, and I love my club, but The World Cup is something different and unique. There is nothing quite like it. For me there is nothing more exciting, anticipated or superlative in my life. The chance for my country to prove itself undisputedly as the best in the world. I look forward to this the day after England get knocked out of the previous tournament. And for a month every four years, there is literally nothing else to watch, think about or consider in my life. June 2010 is a write off. I've watched England at 3 previous World Cups, I've believed we can win everyone, but just this time is different. Maybe. Maybe we will. It sends shivers down my spine and tears to my eyes to think of Owen scoring against Brazil in 2002 and throwing it away, or the pain of defeat to Argentina in '98 or Portugal in '06. Even memories from before I can remember anything hurt. Brazil in '70, Maradona in '86, West Germany in '90. You've got to believe. 11th June Johannesburg, South Africa. The World Cup Final.

I Love The Smiths

Looking forward to seeing this movie a ridiculous amount tomorrow. Song: "Sweet Deposition" by the Temper Trap.

Nighthawks

Edward Hopper


Banksy

Why the Arctic Monkeys may be more important than The Beatles.

One thing that is proving different with current bands attempting to get signed compared with previous generations is the dotcom revolution. I fear I'm stating the obvious when I say music is more accessible through many more mediums than ever before. In a way parallels can be drawn between The Beatles and the Arctic Monkeys and how they changed music history. The Beatles will live a greater musical legacy than the Monkeys, but both re-shaped the status quo. The Beatles redefined how bands behaved and conducted themselves. They reshaped how bands could be perceived. It set the path for every single band today. Pre-Beatles, bands were not seen as artists or pioneers but entertainers. This was their job. They performed. They recorded what the record company deemed popular. I'm not undermining The Beatles musical talent in any way, but they were in the right place at the right time to gain the exposure they did. Four plucky lads from Liverpool, looking to make a name for themselves. The Beatles brought some sex, an attitude and a confidence that, aside from Elvis, had not been seen my musicians previously, certainly not in Britain. Beatlemania grew and the world changed forever. Now music is probably the most widespread and enjoyed form of expression and art in the world.

The Arctic's followed suit. Four cocky lads from Sheffield, writing songs about saturday night fights with bouncers, the Sheffield gig circuit and getting too drunk to stand up. Mix in some funky bass lines, a Smiths-esque lyrical frontman and a cult following and the Arctic Monkeys had the press-coverage that signed bands had been after for years. All this was achieved unsigned, simply by posting links on myspace and handing out free CDs, as word of mouth spread popularity increased. It was the dawn of music being easily accessible via electronic mass communication. When they did finally record and release "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" it outsold "Definitely Maybe" and became the fastest selling British debut album of all time.

Which is why the music industry has changed forever, and why the Arctic Monkeys may have done more for music than any other band in history. It's a bold statement, and I'm not even sure if I agree with it. But the fact is they represent a shift in how bands can sell records without being marketed endlessly or promotional stunts. Independent record labels have the ability to reach audiences never possible before and bands music can be distributed at the click of the button. From teenage garages or bedrooms in Camden and California, songs can be posted and then downloaded anywhere, the ability to promote music independently is easier than ever, this is a revolutionary event in the history of recorded music. Of course this was not all because of four lads from Sheffield, however they acted as the pioneers and catalysts, and for that reason, may have done more for music than The Beatles. It's a controversial idea. 70% of bands are still controlled by the big four record companies, but maybe, hopefully, this figure will start to reduce as the internet age of music continues.

On the subject of which, check out BlankTV's Channel on YouTube and this song from None More Black, signed to Fat Wreck Chords.

CBGB's

"Country BlueGrass Blues and Other Music For Uplifting Gormandizers" known as CBGB's for short was the legendary club on Bleecker Street in New York City and has become famous as the home of underground rock. The Ramones, Television, Patti Smith and The Velvet Underground all contributed to the cult status the bar earned over the years and which helped attract so many artists, musicians and poets to the Lower West Side. Anything was accepted. Drugs were freely available, bars were open into the early hours and people could express their souls however they felt the need. Founded in 1973 it was inspired from the bohemian alt lifestyle that New York provoked at the time, it was the place in Greenwich Village in the 70's and 80's which helped spawn East Coast cult alternative rock. This was a unique time in New York's history. As well as these alt-lifestyle tortured souls such as Bob Dylan and John Lennon moving to Manhatten, hip -hop was emerging in black neighborhoods such as Harlem and Alphabet City. Disco was becoming the scene to be seen at in Mid-town and providing the city with a Mo-town vibe. New York in the 70's and 80's is still an overwhelming influence on today's American music. However, this did bring sociopolitical problems for the city. There were high crime rates, a huge sex trade and neighbourhoods were often perceived as lawless. Cab drivers wouldn't venture into some areas for fear of racial or xenophobic attacks. This is the side of the city which Martin Scorsese portrays in his film "Taxi Driver". The city wasn't in the best condition, but it still managed to produce some musical legacies which will always will remembered. Unfortunately CBGB's was abandoned by the owners a few years ago, and is now a fashion boutique. The spirit lives on at www.CBGB.com where you access a virtual tour of the club in its heyday. And I want this t shirt.

Summer Epiphany

Summer 2009. What a time. I tend to approach life with a philosophical view and try to not let little irrelevant details, which tend to get blown out of proportion, spoil my life. I try to be as optimistic as possible, and draw upon some things I've seen and experiences I've had in countries such as China and Thailand, to never lose perspective of just how fortunate I am in relation. I'm extremely lucky to live my life. But even so, this summer was amazing. After speaking to two of my housemates today I literally cannot wait for 2nd year at University. To all the good times of the last 3 months. Newquay, the USA, Manchester, Sutton Hall, 5th Avenue, Font Bar, The Rectory, Tiger Tiger, Vodka Revs, Rymans(!) and Leeds Festival. To Europe and then University.